MLB Preview 2017: Top 100 Players in the Game Today

With the 2017 MLB season almost upon us, let us take a look at the top 100 players in the game today.

The 2017 MLB season is rapidly approaching, with the regular season almost upon us. Spring Training, and the overall exhibition schedule, is finally over. We have had our chance to enjoy the World Baseball Classic, and while those games have been exciting, there is just nothing quite like regular season baseball.

This year, there will be a number of players who impact their team’s fortunes. Quite a few of them are obvious, but there will be unsung players who explode on the scene. Prospects came up and dominate, or a player finally has that breakout season. Then, there are those players who truly come out of nowhere, going from a journeyman to a key part of a team’s postseason aspirations.

Nonetheless, there are those players who, going into a season, one has to expect will be amongst the best in the game. Those players who, if everything happens as expected, will be contending for the All Star Game or different awards at the end of the year. Those players who, when we turn on the highlights the next morning, will be prominently displayed.

Who will those players be in the 2017 season? Let us take a look at the top 100 players heading in to this year.

100. Ender Inciarte – Atlanta Braves

It may be easy to overlook Ender Inciarte. The Atlanta Braves have struggled over the past couple of seasons, and his offense is still a work in progress. It is easy to overlook him, until one watches him chase down a ball in the gap.

One of the best defensive players that the MLB has to offer, Inciarte has become a human highlight reel, and a constant threat for a Web Gem. He earned his first Gold Glove award last year, leading National League center fielders with 26 runs saved, 12 assists, and four double plays. Rare was the ball that Inciarte could not track down.

Athough he is a defensive marvel, Inciarte has displayed potential offensively. He has little power, but his .291/.351/.381 batting line from 2016 shows that he could be a possible leadoff hitter. In each of his three seasons, he has increased his walks while cutting down his strikeout rate. While one would want to see more steals from someone with his speed, Inciarte could be a solid leadoff man in the coming years.

That could happen as soon as this year. Inciarte is showing a great deal of progress offensively, and the Braves have hopes of contending. With his contact oriented approach, and excellent speed, he could be the sparkplug for what may be a very underrated offense heading into the season.

Ender Inciarte has already become known for his Gold Glove caliber defense. With his solid offense, he is one of the best that the game has to offer.

98. Salvador Perez – Kansas City Royals

Typically, catchers get a game or two off over the course of the week, allowing them to remain fresh. Salvador Perez, meanwhile, has been a true workhorse, appearing in at least 138 games each season in the past four years.

In that time, Perez has become a star while establishing himself as the leader of the Royals. He has made the All Star Game and won the Gold Glove award in each of the last four seasons. Perez has also increased his home run total each season, slugging 22 homers last year for his new career high.

Yet, each season, he has displayed signs of fatigue. His bat starts out hot, and he hits well before the break, with a .282/.315/.435 batting line and 48 home runs before the All Star Break. In the second half, Perez has a career .269/.290/.410 batting line with 39 home runs. Likewise, his defense starts to suffer as well, as he just does not have that same quickness behind the dish.

And yet, we know that this year will be more of the same with Perez. He will hit his home runs, and be a wall behind the plate. His ever present grin and ability with the Gatorade bucket will continue to make him a beloved clubhouse figure. And he will eventually tire and be unable to lay off those sliders breaking down and away for a third strike.

Salvador Perez is a great defensive catcher, and a key part of the Royals plans every year. But until he gets more rest, he may not be able to have that truly transcendent season.

97. Jose Ramirez – Cleveland Indians

Among the pleasant surprises for the Cleveland Indians last year, none may have been more unexpected than Jose Ramirez emerging as their primary third baseman.

An undrafted free agent, Ramirez was solid in the minors, showing excellent speed, a good batting eye, and some power potential. However, he had not gotten those tools to translate at the Major League level. In 2015, Ramirez posted a mediocre .219/.291/.340 batting line, appearing to be a utility player with speed and contact abilities.

Then came last season. Ramirez, at 23 years old, broke out as his potential came through. He seized the Indians third base job, and never let go as his bat showed the promise they had hoped for. When the season was over, Ramirez had a .312/.363/.462 batting line, hitting 11 homers and stealing 22 bases. He appeared as though he could become a key part of the Indians future.

The question now is whether or not Ramirez can continue that performance going forward. At his age, it is possible that this breakout can be sustained. And yet, his minor league track record does not show anything close to the production that he had last year. Will Ramirez regress in 2017, or is this truly the player he is?

That will be one of the biggest questions for the Indians as they look to take that next step and win the World Series. If Jose Ramirez is that player, and continues to improve, their chances get a lot better.

96. Dellin Betances – New York Yankees

Over the past three years, Dellin Betances has established himself as one of the top relievers in the game. While he has occasionally filled in as a closer, notching 22 saves, his best work has come in the eighth inning. It is a role that he will fill again this season, with Aroldis Chapman having returned to the Bronx on a five year contract.

For as well as Betances has pitched, there are concerns about his performance last year. In 2016, he posted a 3.08 ERA and a 1.123 WHiP, his worst numbers in his three season in the Yankees bullpen. He continued his elite strikeout rate, with 125 strikeouts in 73 innings while his control improved, but he also was hit more than at any other point in time.

Those hits continued into this offseason. Eligible for arbitration for the first time, Betances and the Yankees had a contentious meeting before the arbiter. While the ruling went in favor of the Yankees, team president Randy Levine went out of his way to rip his set up man and his representation afterwards. Betances has already said that this will factor into his decision as to where he goes in free agency, making one wonder how wide of a rift there is between he and the team.

While that should not affect his performance in 2017, it certainly bears watching. Betances may not be as available as he had been in the past, as he looks to protect himself for 2020. Likewise, were his struggles last season due to being put in a closer role that he was never quite comfortable with, or is the league beginning to catch up to the flamethrower?

Dellin Betances may well be one of the top setup men in baseball in the coming year, but there are questions. If he can regain  his form from 2014 and 2015, the Yankees may well find themselves back in the postseason.

95. Dexter Fowler – St. Louis Cardinals

While he may not have the numbers of most of the other players on this list, one can argue that Dexter Fowler was one of the most important players of the 2016 campaign.

That is not to say that Fowler’s performance in 2016 was not impressive. He had a career year in making his first All Star Game, posting a .276/.393/.447 batting line while hitting 13 homers and stealing 13 bases. Fowler also played an excellent center field, saving 16 runs and notching six assists.

It is also telling that when the Cubs struggled last year, it coincided with Fowler’s trip to the disabled list. Their on base machine was out of the lineup, causing the offense to sputter. His excellent defense was sorely missed as well, as the Cubs had issues in almost every aspect during that month. His return to the lineup helped galvanize the team, as they went forth and won their first World Series in 108 years.

Now, Fowler is bringing that all around solid game to the St. Louis Cardinals. They missed the postseason for the first time since 2010, finishing with an 86-76 record in 2016. Randal Grichuk provided solid power, but is better suited to a corner outfield role. Likewise, the Cardinals lack of a true leadoff hitter was problematic throughout the season.

Dexter Fowler is one of the more consistent, all around players in the game. He may not get a lot of attention, and his numbers may not be overly impressive, but his ability to do the little things makes a big difference. Don’t be surprised if a healthy Fowler leads to the Cardinals return to the postseason.

94. Trevor Story – Colorado Rockies

Although he did not play a single game after July 30th due to torn thumb ligament, Trevor Story still had one of the more impressive rookie campaigns in 2016.

Another power laden shortstop prospect, Story burst upon the scene last year. He hit two home runs in his first game, and had six home runs in his first four games. His ten home runs in April set a National League rookie record. Although he had not ranked as a top 100 prospect prior to the 2016 campaign, Story proved that he deserved to be in the same conversation as other, more highly touted prospects.

Over the course of the season, Story had a .272/.341/.567 batting line, hitting 27 home runs and 21 doubles. he even flashed a bit of speed, stealing eight bases. At the time he went on the disabled list, Story was leading the National League in homers, and he still finished second amongst shortstops in the category. He was also tremendous with the glove, saving 11 runs and posting the top range factor at his position in the NL.

There are two concerns with Story going forward. First, he struck out in 31.3% of his plate appearances, showing some holes in his swing and approaching Chris Carter levels. Second, the top prospect in the Rockies organization, Brendan Rodgers, also plays short. While it is likely that Rodgers ends up moving to another position, as he did play some second in the minors last year, Story’s strikeout rates could cause his production to plummet if adjustments are not made.

If Trevor Story can make those adjustments, he could become a star and a key part of the Rockies future. Otherwise, if his strikeout rate remains above 30% and pitchers learn to work around him, Story could easily become a two true outcomes player.

93. Aaron Sanchez – Toronto Blue Jays

Last season, the Toronto Blue Jays stayed with Aaron Sanchez in the rotation for the entire year. It turned out to be exactly what they needed to make the postseason.

That first year as a starter for the entire season went better than anyone could have expected. Sanchez led the American League with a 3.00 ERA and a .882 winning percentage, while allowing only 15 home runs in 192 innings despite playing half his games in Toronto. He made his first All Star Game, and earned votes for the Cy Young award. All told, it was an encouraging campaign for the 24 year old.

However, Sanchez did show signs of wearing down in the final two months of the season. Five of those home runs came in his final nine outings, and he posted a 3.76 ERA and a 1.253 WHiP during that time. Of course, Sanchez also threw over 100.1 innings for the first time in his professional career last season, so some fatigue is to be expected.

Even with those struggles, Sanchez showed a great deal of promise. With the Blue Jays looking for a pitcher to front their rotation, they may have finally located that young ace they hoped Marcus Stroman would become. With that first year under his belt, Sanchez could take that next step forward and rocket up these rankings.

Featuring his hard sinker, Aaron Sanchez dominated at times in 2016. That performance may be just the beginning.

92. Hanley Ramirez – Boston Red Sox

There are 750 players in the Majors on Opening Day. Had we done this list last season, Hanley Ramirez may have ranked somewhere around 740th. Even that may have been a generous spot, as he was one of the worst players in the game in 2015.

What a difference a year makes though. No longer miscast as a left fielder, where his misadventures could fill up a War and Peace sized novel, Ramirez was given the reins at first base. He was surprisingly useful defensively, ranking fifth in the American League in fielding percentage.

That confidence in the field translated to the batter’s box. After posting the worst season of his career, Ramirez was close to his former All Star status. His .286/..361/.505 batting line was worth a 124 OPS+, his second best mark over a full season since 2010. Ramirez also had 30 homers last season, his best total since 2008. At age 32, he had a career renaissance.

With David Ortiz having retired, the Red Sox will need Ramirez to continue to perform at that level to help carry the offense. While the young bats are the future, Ramirez is a major part of the present hopes for Boston this year. Given how he looked when taken out of left, he may well perform even better on offense now that he will be their primary designated hitter.

Now that he’s more comfortable on the field, there is a good chance that can happen. The Red Sox may well need a repeat of 2016 to get into the postseason.

91. Andrew McCutchen – Pittsburgh Pirates

In a lot of ways, Andrew McCutchen is the opposite of Hanley Ramirez. Last year, Ramirez would not have sniffed these rankings. Likewise, before last year, McCutchen would have been somewhere in the top ten. Now, a year later, and the two are together, although heading in opposite directions.

McCutchen’s downturn was unexpected. He was not injured, having played in 153 games last year. And yet, something seemed off all year. His .256/.336/.430 batting line was the worst of his career, and was barely above average in the Majors. McCutchen still hit 24 homers, but that was just about the only part of his game to remain the same. His 143 strikeouts were a career high, and on the opposite side, his 69 wakls were the lowest since his rookie season.

McCutchen was just as bad defensively. A former Gold Glove winner, he cost the Priates four runs in center, and was considered 28 runs below average. Those struggles defensively, along with the presence of Starling Marte, have led to McCutchen’s banishment to right field.

He also comes into this season having dealt with some turmoil. The Pirates attempted to trade him in the offseason, but did not get an offer to their liking. Instead, he remains in Pittsburgh, where the Pirates are hoping that he can get back to his previous form as they look to contend. If he can, then they have a chance. If not, then it may be another long season for the black and yellow.

Andrew McCutchen is at a career crossroads. Was last year a blip on the radar, or a sign of things to come?

90. Carlos Gonzalez – Colorado Rockies

A look at his overall numbers, and Carlos Gonzalez would seem to be an MLB star. But there is far more to Gonzalez than there would appear to be at first glance.

In fact, Gonzalez may have the most pronounced home/road splits in the game. While virtually everyone that plays for the Rockies hits better at home, Gonzalez has taken that to an extreme in his career. Overall, he has a .323/.381/.602 batting line with 124 homers at home. On the road, in 100 fewer plate appearances, Gonzalez hits at just a .258/.312/.438 clip with 77 homers. He has, however, stolen 60 bases on the road.

Yet, there is more to Gonzalez than that home/road split. While he may no longer be a threat to steal 20 bases a year, he still flashes plenty of speed legging out doubles, hitting a career high 42 last season. He has been a Gold Glove caliber outfielder, and still possesses a strong arm, notching eight outfield assists in 2016.

His future is also cloudy, at least in terms of staying in Colorado. The Rockies had reportedly made him available this offseason, then were said to have had interest in locking him in to an extension. Now, those talks have yet to have any traction. If the team struggles in the first half, Gonzalez may be on the block again.

He may not be the flashiest of players, but the Rockies know exactly what they have with Carlos Gonzalez. He’s going to batter the ball at home, and be somewhat respectable on the road. Combine the two, and they have themselves a pretty solid player.

89. Andrelton Simmons – Los Angeles Angels

There is a case that could be made for Andrelton Simmons being the best defensive shortstop in baseball. And now, his offensive game is developing right along side.

Simmons has already won two Gold Glove awards, and from 2013 through 2015, was the league leader in defensive WAR. He is consistently amongst the league leaders in virtually every category defensively, and may be getting better with time. In just five seasons, Simmons already ranks 14th in baseball history with 79 runs saved at short.

Last season, Simmons took steps forward offensively. He produced a career best .281/.324/.366 batting line, stealing ten bases and hitting 22 doubles. He continued his incredibly high contact rate, striking out only 38 times in 483 plate appearances. While he could stand to take more than the rare walk, Simmons has become a solid performer with the bat.

At 27 years old, there is still hope that Simmons could continue to develop more of an offensive profile. While he likely will not touch the 17 home runs that he hit in 2013 again, Simmons has become a nice complementary piece in the lineup, at home in the second spot or towards the bottom of the batting order. And there is still more room to grow.

Andrelton Simmons is one of the best defensive players in the game. If he can be even slightly above league average with the bat, he could become quite the valuable player.

88. J.T. Realmuto – Miami Marlins

Finding a catcher that can run is like spotting an okapi. They exist, but are increasingly hard to find.

At this point, J.T. Realmuto is that catcher with speed in the Majors. In his two seasons as the Marlins starter, he has posted 20 stolen bases, and notched 12 steals last year. However, he is far more than just his speed, having hit at a .303/.343/.428 clip last year. Realmuto also showed some developing power, hitting 31 doubles and 11 homers.

Defensively, he is still a work in progress, but did have some solid moments. Realmuto led National League catchers with 80 assists and eight double plays, while showing command of the running game. He gunned down 35% of would be base stealers, exceeding the league average by eight percent.

However, there are drawbacks. Realmuto cannot hit lefties, with a .215/.263/.355 batting line with 23 strikeouts in 99 plate appearances last season. He is also one of the worst pitch framers in the game, ranking as having cost the Marlins 13.5 runs last year. If he can improve his abillity to frame strikes, Realmuto could become one of the best catchers in the game.

As it stands, J.T. Realmuto will be more of a fantasy darling than the catcher he appears to be. However, at just 26 years old, he still has a lot of potential to grow on both sides of the plate.

87. Odubel Herrera – Philadelphia Phillies

Over the past few years, it has been difficult for Rule V players to carve out meaningful roles for their new team. Odubel Herrera, meanwhile, went from the Rule V Draft to the Phillies starting center fielder.

It does not appear as though he will be leaving that spot any time soon. Armed with a five year extension and with two option years, he is set to become a mainstay in Philadelphia. That extension could also turn out to be quite the steal for the Phillies as well.

First, on offense, Herrera has become a solid all around player. More than just a leadoff hitter, his power began to develop last season, as he produced a .286/.361/.420 batting line, hitting 15 home runs and stealing 25 bases. Herrera also improved his batting eye, nearly tripling his walk rate while cutting down on strikeouts. He certainly appears to be an emerging star.

Defensively, he is already there. He led the National League in putouts and double plays in center, while ranking second with 11 outfield assists. Herrera saved 17 runs in center last year, ranking third in the league. With his ability to cover ground, and the highlight reel grabs he is capable of making appear to be routine, Herrera could end up with a Gold Glove in his future.

The most exciting part about Odubel Herrera is that he is just scratching the surface of his ability. As they get closer to competing, Herrera will be a key part of the Phillies next playoff team.

86. DJ LeMahieu – Colorado Rockies

DJ LeMahieu spent most of his career as a solid, if unspectacular, second baseman with the Rockies. He had a bit of speed, almost no power, and a decent glove. LeMahieu won a Gold Glove award, and made an All Star team. That was likely to be the majority of his accolades in the Majors.

Then last season happened. Although he had a .303 batting average last season, few anticipated the LeMahieu would hit the ball quite like he did in 2016. He led the National League with a .348 batting average, while hitting a career best 32 doubles, eight triples, and 11 homers. It was possible that his hoped for offensive breakout happened.

That offensive surge did not hurt LeMahieu’s defense. He led National League second basemen in putouts and assists, and is the active leader in range factor at the keystone. In fact, over his career, LeMahieu has been almost as valuable defensively as he has been with the bat, with a 6.8 oWAR and a 6.0 dWAR.

Although it is unlikely that he continues his last season, LeMahieu is still a strong player for the coming season. His ability to put the bat on the ball, improved walk rate, and excellent speed make him a threat in the batter’s box. He may not dazzle at any given time, but at the end of the season, he will likely be right there in batting average while contributing in almost every facet of the game.

He may not be the most recognizable of Rockies players, but DJ LeMahieu is still a valuable player in Colorado. As it turns out, he may be more valuable than quite a few players with more star power.

85. Julio Teheran – Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves have brought in Bartolo Colon, R.A. Dickey, and Jamie Garcia to shore up their starting rotation. Even with these additions, Julio Teheran remains as their unquestioned ace.

After appearing to be an emerging star in 2014, when he posted a 2.89 ERA and a 1.081 WHiP, Teheran struggled in 2015. Although he led the league with 33 games started that year, his ERA increased to 4.04 and he posted a 1.306 WHiP. He was still young, but it may have been time for the Braves to consider moving him for a package of prospects if he could not be their long term ace.

That question was answered last year. Despite the struggles from Atlanta’s offense, Teheran was back to his form from two years ago. His 7-10 record belied a solid 3.24 ERA and a 1.053 WHiP, as he should have had more success in the win-loss column. Teheran also struck out 167 batters while issuing only 41 walks, continuing to make strides towards becoming a true ace.

As Atlanta gets ready to enter their new ballpark, and hopefully, a new era of contention, Teheran has become the type of player they can build around. One of their core for the present and future, his steady presence in the rotation helping to stabilize what could be a very young staff in the next few years.

If the Braves do indeed contend this year, Julio Teheran will be a large part of their success. With continued progress, this may be the year he gets some votes for the Cy Young award.

84. Ben Zobrist – Chicago Cubs

During his time with the Tampa Bay Rays, Ben Zobrist was considered one of the best players in the game based on WAR. It actually got to the point where the super utility man became overrated, a victim of his own success and the rise of sabermetrics.

However, he never changed. Zobrist continued to be the same solid player year in and year out, revolutionizing how utility players were regarded. While he does not play as many positions these days, Zobrist has remained a solid player. Last year, in his first in Chicago, he produced a .272/.386/.446 batting line, hitting 31 doubles and 18 homers. He essentially did what he does every year.

Zobrist had most of his action at second last season, but he also spent time in right and left. As usual, he was solid at each position, performing at an above average level. That flexibility certainly paid off during the postseason, when Jason Heyward was unable to hit his way out of a wet paper sack.

There are questions about Zobrist’s playing time this year. The Cubs outfield situation is crowded, and Javier Baez is going to need to get into the lineup. However, it is likely that he will be in the lineup virtually every day, just in a different spot on the field. Regardless, we know what the Cubs will get from Zobrist, the same solid performance in every aspect.

The Cubs have an eye towards a repeat, and for Zobrist, he is looking for a personal three-peat. The 2016 World Series MVP will certainly do his part to make it happen.

83. Gary Sanchez – New York Yankees

Gary Sanchez has two months of Major League experience. And yet, in that time, he has done more than enough to tantalize and send the imagination into overdrive.

Sanchez came up and was a man possessed. Seemingly the reincarnation of Babe Ruth, he punished the opposition, belting the ball over the fence with regularity. In his 53 games, Sanchez produced a .299/.376/657 batting line, hitting 20 homers in 229 plate appearances. He became the fastest player in MLB history to hit 11 home runs, doing so in 23 games. He put on a hitting clinic.

As impressive as those numbers were, Sanchez was far more than just a bat. He proved to be an excellent defensive catcher as well, gunning down 41 percent of would be base stealers. In his 36 games behind the plate, he saved three runs, while outpacing the league average in range factor. Sanchez was a game changer on both sides of the plate.

And yet, those two months must still be regarded with a bit of caution. The annuls of MLB history are littered with players who had a torrid stretch as a rookie, only to fade into oblivion. In recent memory, two of those players, Kevin Maas and Shane Spencer, were with the Yankees. The question now becomes: is Sanchez a legitimate star in the making, or is he another shooting star, burning brightly before fading away?

Based on his minor league track record and status as a top prospect, it is likely that the Yankees have that next player to continue their tradition of catching excellence. If so, he will become a key part of what could be the next Yankees dynasty.

82. Trea Turner – Washington Nationals

Just like Gary Sanchez, Trea Turner excited in his half of a season of Major League action. However, unlike Sanchez, it was Turner’s second look at the Majors.

After struggling in his first 24 games in Washington, Turner was ready when he came back last season. He showed off his five tool potential, with an excellent .342/.370/.567 batting line, hitting 13 homers and stealing 33 bases. Despite playing in just half a season, Turner finished fifth in the National League in triples (8) and steals.

Defensively, Turner found himself playing at second and center for the most part. Although he was strictly a middle infielder during his time in the minors, Turner adapted well to center, posting just about league average numbers at a position he he had never played. Turner obviously looked more comfortable at second, but this season, he is set to return to his natural position of shortstop.

With that comfort in the field, and his explosive performance last season, the sky appears to be the limit with Turner. And yet, much like with Sanchez, how much stock can be taken in that two month performance? He was a top prospect for the Nationals, but he exceeded even the wildest expectations last season. Can he continue to be that player, or will he come crashing to Earth?

The Washington Nationals have designs on finally reaching the World Series. If they are going to do so, they need Trea Turner to continue to be the player he was in the second half of the 2016 campaign.

81. Cole Hamels – Texas Rangers

He may not be the same pitcher he was with the Philadelphia Phillies, but Cole Hamels is still an important part of the Texas Rangers postseason hopes in 2017.

Through most of the first five months of 2016, Hamels looked like the dominant pitcher from his early days. He had posted a 2.67 ERA and a 1.227 WHiP, striking out 167 batters in 168.2 innings. However, over his last six starts, Hamels faltered. In those final 32 innings, Hamels had a 6.75 ERA and a 1.719 WHiP, while opponents had a .305/.377/.477 batting line against him. Those struggles extended to the postseason, where he failed to make it out of the fourth against the Blue Jays.

Overall, Hamels’ numbers last season looked solid. He produced a 15-5 record with a 3.32 ERA and a 1.306 WHiP. Hamels continued to be a workhorse, pitching over 200 innings for the seventh consecutive season. In his 200.2 innings, he continued to be a strikeout artist, with 200 strikeouts. There were signs of concern however, as Hamels also walked a career high 3.5 batters per nine innings last season.

At this point in his career, Hamels just is not an ace any longer. Instead, he is a solid innings eater who can flash that dominance of his younger days, tantalizing with the thought that he could turn back time. And while he did dominate for most of last season, Hamels is best suited to be a second starter at this stage of his career.

Fortunately, that is all that the Rangers need him to be. As long as he takes the ball every fifth day and provides consistent results, Hamels will continue to be the perfect second starter in Texas.

80. Steven Matz – New York Mets

When healthy, Steven Matz is almost as dominant as any pitcher the New York Mets have. The problem is keeping him on the mound.

Last season, Matz was the entirety of that above paragraph. He had moments of pure domination, winning the National League Rookie of the Month award in May when he posted a 4-0 record with a 1.83 ERA. On August 14, he took a no-hitter into the eighth inning against the Padres. The potential to be a top of the rotation arm is certainly there.

The problem is getting Matz to stay healthy. He missed time in 2015 with a torn back muscle, and had shoulder and elbow issues last year. He went under the knife late in 2016 to remove a bone spur in his elbow, the cause of the discomfort he felt last season. Nonetheless, in his 22 starts, Matz posted a solid 9-8 record with a 3.40 ERA and a 1.209 WHiP, striking out 129 batters against 31 walks in 132.1 innings.

If Matz can remain healthy, he can give the Mets a trio of starters atop their rotation that would be the envy of any team in the MLB. The question is how to keep him on the mound, allowing Matz to reach his immense potential. If and when the health comes around, with his pure stuff, Matz can be one of the better pitchers in the league.

The New York Mets also have designs on the 2017 postseason. Keeping Steven Matz on the mound for 30 starts could help them reach that goal.

79. Danny Duffy – Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals have been looking for an ace since Zack Greinke departed to Milwaukee. They may have found one in Danny Duffy.

And yet, over the past three years, the Royals have been hesitant to leave Duffy in the rotation. He has made at least six relief appearances in each of those seasons, as questions regarding his approach and toughness on the mound remained. Although he faltered towards the end of last season, Duffy answered those questions down the stretch in 2016, en route to locking in a five year extension to remain in Kansas City.

Last season, the Royals newfound ace truly came into his own. He posted a 12-3 record with a 3.51 ERA and a 1.141 WHiP. In his 179.2 innings, Duffy struck out 188 batters while issuing only 48 walks. After years of trying to get the lefty to attack the zone and trust his stuff, he finally did so with consistency.

After the tragic loss of Yordano Ventura, the Royals will need Duffy to continue to show the improvement he had last season. He still needs to approach that 200 inning mark, and to make his way through an entire season without wearing down. But with an offseason to actually prepare as a starter instead of questioning his role, this may be the season he has that awaited breakout.

Danny Duffy showed amazing progress last season. Now, the Kansas City Royals need him to take the next step forward.

78. Nelson Cruz – Seattle Mariners

At some point, Nelson Cruz is going to slow down. At least, that is what we expect to happen. He is certainly not showing any signs of a decline yet.

Although he had a late start to his major League career, Cruz has become one of the premier power hitters in the game. He has his 40 or more homers in each of the last three seasons, despite playing in Seattle for two of those years. Even SafeCo cannot contain what may be the best pure power hitter in the MLB.

At 36 years old, Cruz is coming off of what may well be his best season to date. He produced a .287/.360/.555 batting line, belting 43 home runs and driving in 105 runs. Cruz set a career high with 62 walks in his 667 plate appearances, while cutting his strikeout rate by over one percent. He even set a personal high with 96 runs scored.

While Cruz has defied age at the plate, the same cannot be said in the outfield. He was actually credited with saving the Mariners three runs in right last year, but was below average in virtually every other metric. This season, he can focus on being the Mariners designated hitter, as Jerry DiPoto made numerous moves to improve the athleticism of the outfield. That arrangement should work well for all parties involved.

Nelson Cruz is still a dynamic power hitter, and that should continue throughout the 2017 season. His power bat will be a major part of the Mariners hopes to end their postseason drought.

77. Aroldis Chapman – New York Yankees

Aroldis Chapman was his dominant self last season with the New York Yankees before being traded to the Chicago Cubs. That deal looks even better now that the Yankees brought Chapman back this offseason.

In his three months with the Yankees last season, Chapman was his dominant self. He notched 20 saves with a 2.01 ERA and a 0.893 WHiP, striking out 44 batters in 31.1 innings. And yet, as dominant as he was with the Yankees, Chapman was even better with the Chicago Cubs. In helping the Cubs break their 108 year championship drought, he had 16 saves while posting a 1.01 ERA and a 0.825 WHiP, striking out 46 batters in 26.2 innings. It was an incredibly dominant performance.

Chapman continued to help the Yankees even after his departure. In exchange for his services, they received a package that included top prospect Gleybar Torres. Having been brought back to the Yankees this offseason, that deal looks even better, as both the present and future appear bright in the Bronx.

A large part of that is having Chapman there to solidify the ninth. Dellin Betances had performed well as the Yankees setup man last year, but he faltered down the stretch in the closer role. With Chapman back in the fold, Betances goes back to his accustomed spot in the eighth inning, giving the Yankees a formidable 1-2 punch to close out games.

The Yankees surge last season has the Bronx dreaming of a return to the postseason. If that happens, having Aroldis Chapman and his 105 MPH fastball closing out the ninth will be a large part of that success.

76. Evan Longoria – Tampa Bay Rays

It is hard to believe that Evan Longoria has not made an All Star Game since 2010. And yet, despite the lack of accolades over the recent years, Longoria has continued to be the Rays most consistent hitter.

Heading into last season, one could be forgiven for thinking that Longoria was starting to slow down. He had two of his worst years in the MLB in 2014 and 2015, as his power numbers decreased and his defense suffered. Yes, he was in the lineup virtually every day, but the pressure of attempting to carry the Rays offense and his injury history appeared to have caught up with him.

Last season, at 30 years old, Longoria had a career renaissance. He produced a .273/.318/.521 batting line, hitting 41 doubles and a career best 36 homers. After those two seasons of decline, Longoria was the most consistent hitter on the Rays, and even became a part of the Final Man Vote to make the All Star squad. Longoria even earned MVP votes for the first time since 2013.

Defensively, Longoria is not the Gold Glove caliber third baseman he had been in the past. Nonetheless, although he may be slowing down, Longoria is still an above average third baseman. He saved four runs last season, despite being below average in range factor. Longoria made up for that by making virtually every play he could at third, ranking fourth in the American League in fielding percentage.

Evan Longoria may not be the same player he had been in years past, but he will still be expected to carry the Rays offense. Hopefully, this season, he has a bit more help than he has had in the recent past.

75. Andrew Miller – Cleveland Indians

During the 2016 postseason, Andrew Miller did more than dominate en route to winning the American League Championship Series MVP award. He also may have changed the way relievers are used by bringing back the fireman role.

A year after proving to be one of the better closers in the game, Miller found himself as the eighth inning man in the Yankees bullpen Cerberus. He was then traded to the Indians, becoming a vital part of their run through the postseason. During that October, Miller forced his way into the conversation of the best relievers in all of the MLB.

Between his two stops last season, he produced a 10-1 record with a 1.45 ERA and a 0.686 WHiP. In 74.1 innings, he struck out an amazing 123 batters while issuing only nine walks. Not only did that performance lead to Miller’s first ever All Star berth, but it led to the question of whether or not Cody Allen should retain his job as the Indians closer.

Instead, during the postsesaon, Miller brought back an old role. He became the modern fireman, used at any point in time when the opposition threatened to score. Miller came into the game at virtually any point in time, and in his ten appearances, fired 19.1 innings. After that performance, other teams are looking to find their own version of Miller, changing the way the bullpen is utilized yet again.

One of the best relievers in the game, Miller dominated virtually any time he was used. His performance last year was truly game changing.

74. Jake Arrieta – Chicago Cubs

In 2015, Jake Arrieta went from a failed Orioles prospect to a Cy Young award winner. Last season, he became a bit of a question mark.

After posting a 22-6 record with a 1.77 ERA and a 0.865 WHiP in 2015, one had to expect that Arrieta would take a step back. He certainly did that, although he still had a strong season. Overall, Arrieta had an 18-8 record with a 3.10 ERA and a 1.084 WHiP. Although he was still just about untouchable, allowing only 138 hits in 197.1 innings, he struggled with his command, issuing 76 walks while striking out 190 batters. Arrieta also uncorked a league leading 16 wild pitches, nearly doubling his career total.

These struggles really began in the second half of the year. In his first 15 outings, Arrieta looked like the pitcher from last year, posting an 11-2 record with a 1.74 ERA and a 0.980 WHiP. However, in his final 16 outings, he was just 7-6 with a 4.44 ERA and a 1.188 WHiP. He issued 41 walks and gave up 13 of the 16 homers he allowed in those 99.1 innings.

The question with Arrieta is what caused that second half swoon. Was he nursing an injury that no one knew about, or had the league figured him out? Or did he have a mechanical issue that left him struggling with his command? While the results, including the home runs, would indicate the latter, that sudden downturn is concerning.

Jake Arietta was a great story as a scrap heap pitcher turned star in Chicago, but he is far from a sure bet in 2017.

73. Kevin Kiermaier – Tampa Bay Rays

Typically, when we think of players who change the game with their defense although their bat lags behind, the image is of a light hitting middle infielder. Although the Tampa Bay Rays are waiting for Kevin Kiermaier’s offense to improve, his defense makes him one of the more valuable players in the game.

That does not mean that Kiermaier is devoid of offensive ability. He posted a respectable .246/.331/.410 batting line, hitting a career high 12 homers and stealing 21 bases. Kiermaier also improved his batting eye drawing 40 walks while striking out just 74 times. In fact, he was even a bit unlucky, having posted a .276 batting average on balls in play. With a mark closer to league average, Kiermaier would have had his breakout season.

Even if his offense remains where it is now, Kiermaier will still be one of the more valuable players in the game because of his defense. He won his second consecutive Gold Glove award, leading all American center fielders with ten runs saved. Kiermaier also ranks fourth in assists and second in range factor while posting a 3.0 dWAR in 2016.

It is just that offensive piece that is missing for Kiermaier to emerge as a true star. With his developing power and excellent speed, he could prove to be the missing piece of the Rays offense, especially if he continues to make gains with his batting eye. Kiermaier could even become the leadoff hitter that the Rays have been searching for over the past few years.

Kevin Kiermaier is already one of the best players in the game. If his offense continues to improve, he could skyrocket up these rankings.

72. Matt Carpenter – St. Louis Cardinals

Just because the St. Louis Cardinals do not have a set spot in the lineup for Matt Carpenter, that does not make him any less valuable. If anything, it increases his status on the team.

Over the past few years, Carpenter has been the model of consistency on offense. His batting average has been either .272 or .271 in each of the past three seasons. In 2015 and 2016, Carpenter had .505 slugging percentage and a 135 OPS+. The Cardinals know exactly what they are getting from their utility infielder on offense.

Defensively, Carpenter may not have a set spot in the field, but that makes him all the more attractive. Capable of playing first, second, or third, he handled each position well last season. In spending 40 or more games at each spot, Carpenter was just about league average in each defensive assignment. While he had spent far more time at third heading into last season, he may well have become the Cardinals answer to Ben Zobrist.

This season, Carpenter is slated to be the Cardinals primary third baseman, with Jedd Gyorko taking over his role as the utility infielder. And yet, it is not unreasonable to imagine that Carpenter will end up finding his way around the diamond, making stops at his familiar second and third as well. He does have the bat to play first, and has done well defensively there, but his greatest asset is that versatility.

A vastly underrated player, Matt Carpenter has become a key part of the Cardinals attack. The biggest question has been where he will end up playing on any given day.

71. Michael Fulmer – Detroit Tigers

It is hard to win a Rookie of the Year award and still be overlooked by most baseball fans. Yet, after the impressive partial seasons from Gary Sanchez, Trevor Story, and Trea Turner, Michael Fulmer happens to have fallen into that category.

And yet, that was hardly Fulmer’s fault. He was brought up at the end of April, as the Tigers were looking to solidify their rotation. After struggling to a 6.52 ERA and a 1.966 WHiP in his first 19.1 innings, one could have understood if Detroit began to consider sending him back to the minors. However, Fulmer had 22 strikeouts in that time, showing that the potential to be a front of the rotation starter.

Then, on May 21 against the Rays, everything clicked. He allowed just one run on four hits and a walk, striking out 11 in seven innings. That start set him on the right track, as he finished the season with an 11-7 record, along with a 3.06 ERA and a 1.119 WHiP. In 159 innings, Fulmer allowed just 42 walks while striking out 132 batters. He won the Rookie of the Year award, and earned a vote for the Cy Young.

As the Tigers rotation is filled with question marks and injuries heading into the 2017 campaign, Fulmer is being counted on to take that next step forward. Slotted as the Tigers second starter, the expectations are that Fulmer will be that piece Detroit needs to return to the postseason.

Michael Fulmer showed that he can be a dominant pitcher. If he takes that next step in his development, the Tigers could find themselves with quite the duo atop their rotation.

70. Gregory Polanco – Pittsburgh Pirates

Gregory Polanco was a top prospect who showed excellent power and speed potential in the minors. Last season, it came together at the Major League level.

Polanco had already been able to showcase his speed, swiping 27 bags in 2015, but last season, his power appeared as well. He slugged a career best 22 home runs while stealing 17 bases, giving the Pirates another dual threat in the lineup. He made gains in his batting line as well, posting a .258/.323/.463 batting line, all career highs.

Defensively, he was a solid right fielder as well. For the second consecutive year, he led National League outfielders in double plays, and finished second with nine assists. Polanco already ranks eighth amongst active players in double plays in right, although he has just two and a half years under his belt. However, he may stay at that total for a while, as he will be moving to left field for 2017.

As solid as his performance last year was, Polanco still seems ready to have that breakout season. He has walked in just about 9.0% of his plate appearances throughout his career, and his 20.3% strikeout rate is right around league average. Polanco also has an above average line drive rate at 31%. If he can get the ball to fall in a bit more frequently, he could be on the cusp of making his first All Star Game in 2017.

Gregory Polanco may be overshadowed in Pittsburgh, but that may not last for long. He took the first step to his breakout last season, and may well complete that journey this season.

69. Xander Bogaerts – Boston Red Sox

After being moved around the lineup and on the field, Xander Bogaerts finally came into his own in 2016. At just 24 years old, he has just started to scratch the surface of his potential.

Bogaerts became a solid all around player for the Red Sox last season, showcasing solid power and speed. He produced a .294/.356/.446 batting line, hitting 34 doubles and 21 homers while stealing 13 bases. Bogaerts also showed an improved batting eye, drawing a career best 58 walks while striking out only 123 times in 719 plate appearances.

After being moved from shortstop two years ago due to the midseason signing of Stephen Drew, Bogaerts is still learning short. That learning curve has been steep, as he cost the Red Sox ten runs at short last season. However, with his quickness and solid instincts, Bogaerts should improve defensively as he continues to get acclimated to the position.

There still seems to be another level that he can reach. While his ability to make contact is impressive, Bogaerts may be better off with a bit more patience, looking for balls to drive instead of looking to put the ball in play. If that happens, Bogaerts could take that leap into the upper echelon of players.

One of the top young shortstops in the game today, Xander Bogaerts has already impressed during his time in the MLB. However, he still has room to grow.

68. Kenley Jansen – Los Angeles Dodgers

Kenley Jansen began his professional career as a catcher, where he was known for his defensive ability and stellar arm. When his offense began to lag far behind the defensive side, that arm led to a conversion to the mound. It was the perfect move.

Armed with a cutter that reminds many of the great Mariano Rivera, Jansen has been just about unhittable throughout his Major League career. Since taking over as the Dodgers closer in 2012, Jansen has cemented himself as one of the best relievers in the game, the perfect shutdown option behind what has the potential to be a stellar rotation.

As great as Jansen had been, he took his game to another level last season. In making his first All Star Game, Jansen notched 47 saves with a 1.83 ERA. Yet, he was virtually untouchable, posting a 0.670 WHiP and allowing just 35 hits and 11 walks in 68.2 innings while striking out 104 batters. It was one of the more impressive seasons in recent MLB history.

It is hard to imagine that Jansen will improve from his 2016 campaign. He proved to be the best closer in the National League yet again, and was a devastating force on the mound. Yet, armed with his stellar cutter and impeccable command, it may not be a surprise to see a similar performance in 2017.

Kenley Jansen has become one of the most consistent closers in the game, a pitcher who is almost guaranteed to slam the door any time he gets on the mound. There is no reason to think that will not continue in the coming season.

67. Jackie Bradley – Boston Red Sox

During the first half of last season, it appeared as though Jackie Bradley was having his long awaited breakout with the bat. Then, in the second half, he struggled once again, leaving observers to question as to whether or not he is just a fourth outfielder.

After showing progress in the final few weeks of 2015, Bradley carried that hot hitting forward into 2016. He had a 29 game hitting streak that ended on May 26, en route to earning the Player of the Month award. Overall in the first half, Bradley posted a .296/.378/.518 batting line, hitting 12 homers and making his first All Star Game.

Bradley’s offensive struggles came back in the second half of the season. In his final 313 plate appearances, Bradley had a meager .234/.319/.453 batting line, a number more in line with his career totals. He continued to hit for power, belting 14 homers, but saw his strikeouts spike. Is this the player that Bradley really is, and his impressive first half was an anomaly?

While questions remain about his offense, there is no question that Bradley is one of the elite defensive players in all of the MLB. He led American League center fielders in assists and double plays last season, while finishing second in fielding percentage. His ability to track down almost anything in center, particularly in the oddly shaped confines of Fenway Park, will keep him in the lineup despite his inconsistent bat.

If Jackie Bradley can recapture his offensive production from the first half of 2016, he would be a star. Nonetheless, he is still game changing player with his glove.

66. Justin Turner – Los Angeles Dodgers

Injuries and a lack of opportunity kept Justin Turner from becoming the type of player he seemed destined to become based on his minor league track record. Finally healthy last season, he became a key piece in the Dodgers lineup.

Essentially a utility player for most of his career, Turner finally landed at third base, holding the position for the entire year. His bat, which had shown a great deal of potential during his brief stints in the lineup, provided the power that the Dodgers had hoped for. Overall in 2016, Turner had a .275/.339/.493 batting line, hitting 27 homers and 34 doubles, as he continued to be a key part of the Dodgers attack.

Defensively, Turner performed at a Gold Glove level at third. He led all National League third basemen with 19 runs saved, and ranked fifth overall in the league. Although he did not get many chances at third, he made virtually every play that came his way, ranking fourth with a .972 fielding percentage.

At 32 years old, Turner is unlikely to become anything beyond the player he proved to be last season. However, that performance was still one of the most valuable in the league, as he finished ninth in the MVP voting. It would not be a surprise to see Turner make an All Star Game or two before his career winds down, and maybe even win a Gold Glove as he continues to earn more recognition.

Sometimes, all a player needs is a chance. Justin Turner certainly proved that with his performance last season.

65. Chris Davis – Baltimore Orioles

One of the premier sluggers in the game, Chris Davis may be the current epitome of the three true outcomes player.

Last season, Davis continued to do what he does best. He hit 38 homers, ranking eighth in the American League, while finishing fourth with 88 walks. Davis also led the AL for a second consecutive season with 219 strikeouts, limiting his production at the plate. His all or nothing approach led to a .221/.332/.459 batting line, a far cry from his production in 2015.

For as much attention as Davis receives for his power, he has proven to be a solid first baseman as well. He led all AL first basemen with 1325 putouts, 138 double plays, and a 9.15 range factor. Davis is even one of the all time best at fielding the ball at first, ranking 20th in MLB history with a .995 fielding percentage.

We have seen Davis struggle before in even numbered years. After leading the league in homers in 2013 and 2015, Davis fell off dramatically the following years. If this trend continues, Davis will be a star once again next season. But eventually, that lack of contact will come back to be problematic.

Chris Davis is one of the great power hitters in the game today. If he could make more contact, he would be an even more dangerous player in the middle of the Orioles lineup.

64. George Springer – Houston Astros

The Astros outfield production in 2016 was utterly abysmal. That is, aside from George Springer.

In the lineup every day, Springer led the American League in games and plate appearances. That workload did not affect his production with the bat, as he posted a solid .261/.359/.457 batting line, and set career highs with 29 doubles and 29 homers. Not only did Springer continue to improve his already impressive walk rate, but he also cut down on his strikeouts for the third consecutive season.

Springer also improved defensively. After being a below average right fielder for his first two years, he became a bit above average last year. The saved the Astros four runs in right, and made just two errors all year. His 12 assists ranked third amongst AL right fielders, and he was fourth in double plays.

As Springer is about to enter his hypothetical prime at 27 years old, he is still improving on the diamond. While the Astros have improved their offense, having Springer continue to develop will be a key to their success in 2017. He certainly has the tools to do so, and could take a major step forward with that improved lineup.

George Springer still has yet to reach his full potential. With a better lineup around him, 2017 may be the year that happens.

63. Tanner Roark – Washington Nationals

It is difficult to stand out amongst the arms that are on the Washington Nationals. Yet Tanner Roark was quietly just as good as any of the bigger names last season.

In 2014, Roark appeared set to be a mainstay in the Nationals rotation, posting a 15-10 record with a 2.85 ERA and a 1.092 WHiP. However, after the signing of Max Scherzer, Roark found himself banished to the bullpen. While he eventually made 12 starts for Washington, the 2015 campaign was essentially a lost season.

Back in the rotation last year, Roark picked up where he left off two years ago. He became a workhorse, finishing fourth in the National League with 210 innings last season. Despite that nearly 100 inning bump from 2015, Roark was still a solid pitcher, posting a 16-10 record with a 2.83 ERA and a 1.171 WHiP. He set a personal best with 173 strikeouts, while issuing 73 walks.

If there is a reason for concern with Roark going forward, it would be due to that walk rate. After showing impeccable command in 2014 and walking just 1.8 batters per nine innings, that rate increased to 3.1 walks per nine last year. Yes, the increased strikeout rate was a good sign, but if it comes due to diminishing command, the tradeoff may not be worth it.

Tanner Roark has shown that he can be a solid part of the Washington Nationals rotation. Although he does not get as much attention as the bigger names, he is still a key part of their postseason hopes.

62. Carlos Carrasco – Cleveland Indians

One of the more dominant pitchers in the game when healthy, the biggest issue with Carlos Carrasco involves getting him to the mound.

When he does take his turn in the rotation, Carrasco has the potential to shut down the opposition on any given night. That ability was on full display last season, as his 11-8 record with a 3.32 ERA and a 1.148 WHiP were a key part of bringing the Indians to the postseason. He struck out 150 batters in 146.1 innings, issuing only 34 walks.

Unfortunately, those injury concerns popped up again. Carrasco made only 25 starts last year, plagued by a broken hand and a hamstring injury. He has already undergone an MRI due to swelling in his elbow, and while it came back negative, this is a situation that bears watching throughout the season.

With Carrasco, the Indians know what they will get. He will dominate the opposition more often than not, but he will also miss a few starts over the course of the season. Those injuries kept him out of the postseason last year, and may have been the difference in the World Series. For now, the Indians will hope for a healthy Carrasco, and that might make the difference this year.

The Cleveland Indians need Carlos Carrasco to stay healthy all season. But can he do that?

61. Jonathan Villar – Milwaukee Brewers

Prior to last season, Jonathan Villar was buried on the Astros depth chart, never receiving more than 289 plate appearances in a season. A trade to Milwaukee gave him a chance to start, and he ran with it.

Acquired for a minor league pitcher, Villar took over as the Brewers shortstop and seized the opportunity. He led the National League with 62 stolen bases, while producing a solid .285/.365/.457 batting line. While the speed was expected, Villar showed surprising pop, hitting 19 homers and 38 doubles. Villar emerged as a true building block for Milwaukee.

Although he led the National League with 29 errors, Villar was solid defensively. The Brewers primary shortstop, he also appeared at third base 42 times last season. When he was at short, Villar was at his best with the glove, ranking third in the league in range factor. Villar may never be confused with some of the great defensive shortstops, but he has still been serviceable.

In order to achieve stardom, Villar needs to prove he can do it again. MLB history is littered with players who impressed for a year or two and then fell off. His high walk rates and consistently strong batting average on balls in play would indicate that he can remain a threat on the basepaths, but Villar does strike out a lot for a speedster. Further improvement in his strikeout rate might be the key to sustaining his breakout campaign.

All Jonathan Villar needed was a chance. Now, he needs to prove he can continue that performance from last year.

60. Yadier Molina – St. Louis Cardinals

The last of the Official Catching Molina Brothers, Yadier Molina is still going strong heading into his 14th Major League season.

After a couple of down seasons where it looked like Molina was finally wearing down, he came back with a vengeance in 2016. The bat once again had life, as he produced a solid .307/.360/.427 batting line, hitting 38 doubles. His time as a double digit home run hitter may be over, but he still made excellent contact and had a 28% line drive rate, the second best mark of his career.

It was behind the plate where Molina began to show signs of wear. His eight year run of winning the Gold Glove award came to an end, and he was barely above average defensively. Runners took liberties on his arm, as he gunned down only 21% of opposing base stealers. This marked the first time in his career that he was below average in throwing out base runners.

Eventually, his age and usage will catch up with Yadier Molina. The question is when it will happen. That is something the Cardinals will need to consider this offseason, as Molina is an impending free agent. And with top prospect Carson Kelly knocking on the door to the Majors, St. Louis has a tough decision to make.

Yadier Molina is still one of the best in the game. But how long will that be the case?

59. Chris Archer – Tampa Bay Rays

Last year, Chris Archer helped to further illustrate why wins and losses for a pitcher should not be the first stats one looks at.

That is not to say that everything was right with Archer in 2016. He just never seemed to be able to get himself on track, showing flashes of his dominant form while struggling in the next inning. His command was not quite there either, as he was rocked for 30 home runs, just one less from his total of the previous two seasons combined.

Yet, there were positives to Archer’s performance last year. Yes, his 9-19 record and 4.02 ERA were disappointing. However, Archer also pitched over 200 innings for the second consecutive year, and struck out 233 batters in his 201.1 innings. This was the second year that he averaged over ten strikeouts per nine innings, showing that he had not lost his dominant stuff.

If the Rays are going to be a surprise team in 2017, they need Archer to come back to the ace levels he was at in 2015. The velocity and stuff are there, and Archer looked impressive in his outing during the World Baseball Classic. That turnaround may well be on the horizon.

Chris Archer disappointed last year, but that was likely an aberration. Watch for him to come out and dominate as he did in the previous years.

58. Matt Shoemaker – Los Angeles Angels

Matt Shoemaker had one of the more terrifying moments in the game last season, as he was hit in the head with a Kyle Seager line drive on September 4.

That was just the beginning. Shoemaker needed to have emergency surgery the next day in order to relieve bleeding in his brain. His season was over, and for a moment, Shoemaker was battling for his life. Fortunately, he pulled through, and is ready to resume his career.

He was in the midst of a solid season when he was struck by that line drive. Shoemaker’s overall numbers may not look great, but he struggled mightily in the first half of the season. His overall 9-13 record with a 3.88 ERA and a 1.225 WHiP were dramatically improved in his last 16 outings, as Shoemaker went 8-8 with a 2.97 ERA and a 1.170 WHiP. Add in his 84 strikeouts and 17 walks in those final 100 innings, and Shoemaker was just below ace material.

The questions surrounding Shoemaker are whether or not he can make a successful return to the mound and if he can find consistency. Shoemaker has done nothing to indicate that his return to the mound would involve any flashbacks to that incident, so now, he needs to put together a complete season.

The closest thing to an ace with the Angels, Matt Shoemaker could be an important part of their future. Putting together a consistent year in 2017 would go a long way to solidifying that belief.

57. Adam Eaton – Washington Nationals

Very quietly, Adam Eaton has developed into a solid offensive talent. But it is his defense that has become the most impressive.

Last year, Eaton was one of the few bright spots in the White Sox lineup. He led the American League with nine triples while producing a solid .284/.362/.428 batting line. Eaton set a career high with 29 doubles, tied his previous best with 14 homers, and stole 14 bases. he was a solid all around performer in the batter’s box.

However, Eaton truly shined on defense. After posting underwhelming numbers in center, he became one of the better right fielders in all of MLB. Eaton deserved the Gold Glove for right, having led the league with 25 runs saved, 18 assists, and four double plays. He also led the league in range factor and putouts, a clean statistical sweep.

Traded to the Nationals in the offseason for prized prospect Lucas Giolito, Eaton will find himself in center once again. Although that is not his best position defensively, Eaton is not about to displace Bryce Harper. If he can give Washington that same level of performance with the bat in 2017, then his defensive issues in center may not matter.

The Washington Nationals expect Adam Eaton to be a big part of their postseason push in 2017. If he continues to hit as he did last year, those expectations could come true.

56. Zach Britton – Baltimore Orioles

Zach Britton’s 2016 campaign should not be remembered for his not being used in the Wild Card game.

Instead, it should be recognized for the dominant season it was. Britton dominated from the start, but he was virtually untouchable from May 5 through August 22. In that time, he did not allow a run in 43 consecutive appearances. That performance helped Britton post a 823 ERA+, shattering the old record held by Fernando Rodney.

His overall numbers were as fantastic as one could expect. Britton was perfect in save chances, notching 47 saves in 2016. He posted a 0.54 ERA and a 0.836 WHiP, striking out 74 batters against 18 walks in 67 innings. His dominance led to a fourth place finish in the Cy Young vote, as well as five first place votes for the award.

Chances are, Britton will not be able to replicate that performance again in 2017. Regression has to be expected after such dominance. However, he has been one of the better closers in the game since transitioning to the bullpen in 2014, and is not giving any indication that will change. The Orioles, for their potential issues in the coming season, know that the ninth inning is locked down.

Zach Britton may well be the best closer in the game. He was certainly that last year, with a record setting performance that may be difficult for anyone to beat.

55. Jean Segura – Seattle Mariners

Before last season, Jean Segura had been a good fielding middle infielder with speed and not much of a bat. Last year, his offensive potential broke through.

After just one season of above average production in his previous three years in the MLB, Segura exploded last year. He produced a career best .319/.368/.499 batting line, hitting 41 doubles, 20 homers, and stealing 33 bases. Segura also led the National League with 203 hits, helping to spark the Diamondbacks offense.

He also moved from shortstop to second base last season, and acclimated himself well. Although he was just about league average at short in his 23 games there, he performed well at second. Segura saved the Diamondbacks 5 runs while leading the NL with 428 assists.

However, Segura may be hard pressed to replicate that season. Traded to the Mariners in the offseason, Segura is heading to a far more pitching friendly ballpark. He will be counted on to help ignite the top of the order in Seattle, but will he be able to find those gaps in his new home?

Jean Segura had a breakout campaign in 2016. This year, we will find out how much of that can be attributed to his own development, and how much was a byproduct of his stint in Arizona.

54. Brandon Crawford – San Francisco Giants

Brandon Crawford has a reputation as being a glove first shortstop. Over the past couple of years, his bat has caught up to the defense.

Although Crawford’s offense took a bit of a step back last season, he put together a solid year. The MLB leader with 11 triples, Crawford had a .275/.342/.430 batting line, hitting 12 home runs and 28 doubles. His overall power numbers decreased from 2015, resulting in a loss of seven points from his OPS+. Nonetheless, Crawford still displayed a solid bat for the Giants.

Crawford continued to shine on defense. He won his second consecutive Gold Glove award, and may not be giving that up any time soon. Crawford led the National League with 413 assists at short last season, while saving 13 runs. It was no surprise that he led the league with a 2.7 dWAR in 2016.

At 30 years old, it is unlikely that Crawford will develop much more on offense. However, his glove will make sure that he remains in the lineup, and his slightly above league average ability with the bat will make him an asset for the Giants going forward.

One of the best defensive players in the MLB, Brandon Crawford is a very underrated part of the Giants. With a stellar glove and a bat that produced solid results, he is one of the better overall players in the game.

53. Addison Russell – Chicago Cubs

Given the number of solid young shortstops in the MLB, and the Cubs own young stars, someone was bound to get overlooked. Addison Russell has been forgotten about in both aspects.

However, the former top prospect has more than held his own since being acquired by the Cubs. Last year, he continued his progression at the plate, producing a respectable .238/.321/.417 batting line, hitting 21 homers and 25 doubles. Perhaps the most encouraging sign for Russell involved his batting eye. Not only did Russell increase his walk rate by over one percent, but he also cut his strikeout rate by almost six points.

Russell also improved on defense. After splitting his time at both middle infield positions in 2015, he found a home at short last year. He performed well, leading the National League with 14 runs saved. A good fielding shortstop during his time in the minors, Russell should get even better as time goes on.

An All Star last season, it would seem that Russell gets the recognition that he deserves. Yet, when the discussion of the top young shortstops begins, he is often overlooked. Likewise, given the stars that litter the Cubs lineup, it is hard to get attention. As Russell continues to develop, that will change, putting the former top prospect back into the spotlight.

Addison Russell has only begun to tap into his potential. That breakout season may be coming soon, and as early as this upcoming season.

52. Daniel Murphy – Washington Nationals

Daniel Murphy’s career could have been defined by his defensive miscues during the 2015 World Series. Instead, he came back and posted a career year in his first season with the Nationals.

Signed as a free agent, Murphy became the Nationals top hitter. He led the National League with 47 doubles, while producing a .347/.390/.595 batting line. Murphy had a career best 25 homers and 104 RBI, as he made his second All Star team. That production was noticed after the season as well, as he finished second in the MVP balloting and won his first Silver Slugger award.

While he continued to struggle on defense, Murphy was not the error machine from the World Series. He did cost the Nationals eight runs on defense at second, but played a passable first base. As Ryan Zimmerman has continued to struggle, it is possible that Murphy will get more looks at first going forward, limiting his issues defensively.

Last season was easily a career year for Murphy. It was, in a lot of ways, a perfect storm, as he was looking for redemption. He certainly found that with the bat, as he was one of the best players in the game last season. However, it is highly unlikely that he replicates that success again in 2017.

Daniel Murphy is a solid player who saw everything come together perfectly last year. Chances are, we saw the best of what Murphy has to offer.

51. Kenta Maeda – Los Angeles Dodgers

Kenta Maeda was one of the top pitchers in Japan when he signed an eight year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, the structure of the contract itself was quite surprising.

Instead of the large payday that many expected, Maeda only received $25 Million guaranteed. With bonus and incentives, that contract could reach $106.2 Million, as there were concerns about the health of his elbow. However, Maeda was willing to gamble on himself and prove that he was worth every cent.

After his first year in the MLB, that gamble looks like it may pay off. Maeda began the year with six shutout innings against the Padres, and even hit a homer. After being almost untouchable in April, Maeda came back down to Earth, but still had a solid debut. Overall, he was 16-11 with a 3.48 ERA and a 1.139 WHiP, striking out 179 batters against 50 walks in 175.2 innings.

Maeda may not be an ace, but the Dodgers really do not need him to be one. A solid option in the middle of the rotation, or even as a possible second starter, he acclimated quickly to the Majors. Now that he has a season under his belt, Maeda could even improve in the 2017 campaign.

Maeda-Mania came to Los Angeles last season, as the Japanese righty was just about as advertised. His personal gamble looks like it will pay off after all.

50. Wil Myers – San Diego Padres

Wil Myers looked like a bust. Then, last season, he became a cornerstone piece for the San Diego Padres.

Myers had struggled after winning the 2013 American League Rookie of the Year award, going from a possible franchise player for the Rays to a possible busted prospect. Last season, everything clicked again for Myers, as he transformed himself into close to the player that he was expected to become. He had a .259/.336/.461 batting line, hitting 28 homers and stealing 28 bases. Once again, he looked like a future star.

He also benefited from a change on defense. No longer asked to patrol center, the Padres moved Myers to first with great results. He saved nine runs at first base, and made only three errors all season. Myers also helped his pitching staff out at first, as his 139 double plays led the league.

While Myers had a breakout season last year, there are still reasons for concern. His swing and miss tendencies were still there, as he struck out in 23.7% of his at bats. However, his improved batting eye, and 10.1% walk rate, could help mitigate those strikeout concerns.

Wil Myers is starting to display the potential that made him a top prospect once again. The Padres may have found themselves a cornerstone player after all.

49. Brian Dozier – Minnesota Twins

Known as a solid power hitter for a second baseman, Brian Dozier took his homers to another level last season.

In 2016, Dozier had a record breaking performance at second base. He set the American League record for homers in a single season by a second baseman with 40 en route to the best season of his career. Overall, Dozier produced a .268/.340/.546 batting line, slugging 42 homers and stealing 18 bases. He even cut down on his strikeouts by a full percentage point while increasing his walk rate.

While Dozier is not going to be confused with a Gold Glove caliber second baseman, he has improved his defense. Last year, he cost the Twins five runs, but that was his best performance since 2013. Dozier made only eight errors last season, and turned a career high 118 double plays. Those are certainly solid strides with the glove.

Dozier had been among the premier power hitters at second base for some time, but he brought his offensive game up another notch last season. His batting average finally climbed above .250, and he continued to show a solid batting eye. If Dozier can continue to get on base at a solid clip, and those home runs continue, he may be destined to return to the All Star Game once more.

One of the few bright spots in a dismal 2016 season for the Twins, Brian Dozier had a historic season last year. If he can replicate last year’s production, it would go a long way to getting Minnesota back into contention.

48. Anthony Rendon – Washington Nationals

Through the first five weeks of the season, Anthony Rendon struggled, posting a .211/.289/.292 batting line and two homers. From that point, his offense came to life, and Rendon looked like the Silver Slugger from 2014.

In fact, Rendon’s .287/.364/.494 batting line was almost identical to his 2014 campaign. He finished the year with 20 homers and 38 doubles, each mark one off of that, thus far, career year. Rendon even chipped in 12 steals, proving to be a solid contributor in every facet on offense.

One could have argued that Rendon deserved the National League Gold Glove at third. He led the league with a .976 fielding percentage, and was second at the position with 16 runs saved. One would have to imagine that, eventually, he will earn a couple for his trophy case.

Rendon appeared to truly come into his own in the middle of May last year. His offensive production helped buoy the Nationals attack, as he become one of the better third basemen in the game. If he can replicate those numbers from last season, Rendon may begin to get the recognition he deserves.

At 27 years old, Anthony Rendon is just entering his prime. While the Nationals would certainly take the same level of performance as he had last season, there may be a bit more waiting beneath the surface.

47. Yoenis Cespedes – New York Mets

In some ways, Yoenis Cespedes leaves us expecting more than what he provides. Yet, those sky high expectations may be unfair.

Cespedes is a solid player in his own right, with excellent power and an improving batting eye. Last season, Cespedes posted a .280/.354/.530 batting line, hitting 31 homers and 25 doubles. He set a career high with 51 walks, and cut his strikeout rate to less than 20%.

After winning the American League Gold Glove award in left in 2015, Cespedes split his time between left and center for the Mets last year. He had mixed results defensively due to that arrangement. Cespedes was impressive in left, saving eight runs while showing off his impressive range, but that was not the case in center. There, he cost the Mets two runs while his range was considered below average.

And yet, we still find ourselves wanting more. Perhaps this is because of his stellar arm, or the power he displayed in winning consecutive Home Run Derbys. Or, maybe it is due to how highly he was touted after his defection from Cuba, when he was considered the top international talent in the game. This is actually quite unfair, as Cespedes is one of the better players in the MLB today.

Yoenis Cespedes may never live up to our lofty expectations, but that is more of an indictment upon ourselves than of his ability. He is still quite the weapon for the Mets.

46. Jose Quintana – Chicago White Sox

Until the White Sox fire sale this past offseason, Jose Quintana flew under the radar for a lot of baseball fans. That is no longer the case.

A solid pitcher who has logged more than 200 innings in each of the past four seasons, Quintana was overshadowed by Chris Sale in the White Sox rotation. However, when Chicago was looking to move anything that wasn’t nailed down, Quintana became a highly sought after commodity. Those continual trade rumors led to Quintana finally getting the recognition he deserves for his performance.

Last year was a breakout season for the lefty. He made his first All Star Game, and even earned a vote for the Cy Young award. His 13-12 record was deceptive, as he posted a 3.20 ERA and a 1.163 WHiP, striking out 181 batters against 50 walks in 208 innings. With a better team, Quintana may have been a true contender for that award.

Signed to a team friendly contract through 2018, and with two other affordable options to extend his control through 2020, it is understandable why so many teams had interest. Likewise, the White Sox sky high asking price is also understandable. For now, he will be the de facto ace of the team, unless that amazing offer comes through.

Jose Quintana had flown under the radar for most of his career. Now, by being a hot trade topic, he is getting the attention he deserves.

45. Kyle Seager – Seattle Mariners

Kyle Seager was underappreciated even before his brother’s incredible rookie season. That performance made the Mariners third baseman even more overlooked.

Since joining the Mariners in 2011, Seager has improved each year. He has increased his home run totals, and batting line, virtually every season, culminating with that has been, thus far, his career year. In 2016, Seager had a .278/.359/.499 batting line, hitting 30 homers and 36 doubles.

A former Gold Glove winner, Seager continued his solid play at the hot corner. He led American League third basemen in putouts, assists, double plays, and range factor while saving the Mariners five runs. Already in the top five amongst active players in several defensive categories, Seager has proven to be quite the solid player at third.

The Mariners have high hopes heading into this season. Although the focus is likely to be on the improvements made to the team, Seager is still a key part of the middle of the lineup. He is the bat providing protection for Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz, an unenviable job in its own right. And Seager has excelled in his role.

He may not even be the best baseball player in his family, but Kyle Seager is one of the better players in the game. If the Mariners reach the postseason, maybe he will begin to get the recognition he deserves.

44. Dustin Pedroia – Boston Red Sox

For a time, it looked as though the end was coming for Dustin Pedroia. However, in the past couple of years, he has gotten back to form.

Finally healthy once again, Pedroia was back to the form he displayed as an All Star. He produced a solid .318/.376/.449 batting line, hitting 15 homers and 36 doubles. Pedroia finished third in the American League with 201 hits, and was tenth with 105 runs scored. He was back to being the sparkplug that the Red Sox had come to know.

Although Pedroia may have lost a step in the field due to those injuries, he was still as strong defensively as ever. A master of positioning, Pedroia seemed to be in the right place virtually any time a ball was hit near second. Even though he may no longer be a Gold Glove caliber second baseman, he was still worth six runs saved, and was around league average in range factor last year.

Should he remain healthy once again, there is no reason to suspect that Pedroia would not replicate that type of production. However, staying healthy is the key. As Pedroia is known for his hardnosed, all out style of playing, that wear and tear has taken its toll.

The Laser Show was back last year. With David Ortiz having retired, the Red Sox will need a healthy Dustin Pedroia once again in 2017.

43. Joey Votto – Cincinnati Reds

One would imagine that the best player on the team that one broadcasts would be a favorite of the team’s announcers. That is not the case with Joey Votto.

It is difficult to understand why. Votto has been everything the Reds have asked for, and more. A former MVP, and a Gold Glove caliber first baseman, Votto has been an on base machine throughout his career. Last season was no different, when he shook off a slow start to post a stellar .324/.434/.560 batting line. He had 29 homers and 34 doubles as the Reds only real weapon on offense.

While Votto may not be a Gold Glove first baseman any longer, he was still solid around the bag. He finished third in the National League with 107 assists and 124 double plays, while posting approximately league average numbers in range factor. Votto did, however, cost the Reds two runs in the field.

Add in his longevity with the team, and Votto is easily the face of the Reds. Yet, that does not matter to Marty Brennaman, who detests the Reds star. The reason? Votto makes a ridiculous amount of money, which he feels is hamstringing the team. You know, instead of Homer Bailey, Devin Mesoraco, or any lack of being able to construct a team.

Marty Brennaman may not be willing to acknowledge it, but Joey Votto is one of the best players in the MLB. The Reds should be grateful they extended him.

42. Jacob deGrom – New York Mets

It did not take long for Jacob deGrom to become a fan favorite with the Mets. With his long hair and distinctive look, he captivated the fanbase.

He took the National League by storm as well. With arguably the best pure stuff on the staff, deGrom won the Rookie of the Year award in 2014, and made the All Star Game the following year. Last season, he continued to dominate, despite having the mental stress of a sick infant to worry about when he was off the mound.

Despite a 7-8 record, deGrom had a solid season last year. He posted a 3.04 ERA and a 1.203 WHiP, striking out 143 batters against 36 walks in 148 innings. Even though those numbers were a bit of a step back from his stellar 2015 campaign, they still were in the upper echelon of the National League.

This year, hopefully all that deGrom will need to worry about will be the opposition. Ready to pitch for the full season, and with those health scares behind him, deGrom is ready to give the Mets that firepower they need atop the rotation. If he can continue his performance from the past three years, it could be a great year in Queens.

Jacob deGrom has been an excellent pitcher in his three years with the Mets. This year, as he should be able to remain focused on the mound, he could have his best season thus far.

41. David Price – Boston Red Sox

In many ways, David Price’s first year in Boston was a disappointment. And yet, it was still a productive year.

Expected to be the ace of the Red Sox, Price did not perform like one early on. Perhaps it was because of his attempts to live up to his incredible contract, or due to the change in locale. Either way, he had a 6.75 ERA and a 1.379 WHiP, hardly numbers that anyone would have expected from a pitcher of his caliber, after seven starts.

Price turned his season from that point. He would up leading the American League with 35 starts and 230 innings, taking the ball every time his turn in the rotation came up. Overall, he posted a respectable 17-9 record with a 3.99 ERA and a 1.204 WHiP, striking out 227 batters against 50 walks. It may not have been ace caliber, but it was a solid year.

However, Price again failed in the postseason, unable to get out of the fourth inning as the Red Sox fell to the Cleveland Indians. This year has not started out positively either, as Price may not return until May due to his elbow issues. When healthy, he can be the perfect second starter, and give Boston a formidable duo atop the rotation. But is he healthy?

The answer to that question may go a long way to determining the Red Sox chances this year. Maybe he is not that ace anylonger, but David Price is still an important part of the Red Sox hopes for 2017.

40. Johnny Cueto – San Francisco Giants

Johnny Cueto had spent his entire career in the National League, excluding a successful stint with the Royals where he won a World Series. Signed by the Giants, Cueto looked to earn a second title.

While the Giants did not have their even number magic last season, Cueto was exactly what they had hoped for. He dominated the opposition, giving the Giants a formidable duo atop the rotation. Unfortunately, injuries and a mediocre staff after that top two caused San Francisco’s demise.

In earning his second trip to the MidSummer Classic, Cueto was phenomenal. He posted an 18-5 record with a 2.79 ERA and a 1.093 WHiP, striking out 198 batters against 45 walks in 219.2 innings. Cueto also led the NL with five complete games, helping to give the Giants beleaguered bullpen a day off.

The question now is whether or not Cueto can perform like that once again. Excluding his time in Kansas City, he has been a dominant force on the mound, posting an ERA below 3.00 in each of the past five seasons. However, he has a good number of innings on that arm, making a repeat performance less of a given.

Johnny Cueto has quietly been one of the best pitchers in the NL. Although he does not show any signs of slowing down, one has to wonder how long he can continue his pace.

39. Edwin Encarnacion – Cleveland Indians

During an offseason where the top sluggers had trouble finding a home, Edwin Encarnacion still ended up with a nice paycheck.

A key part of the Blue Jays offense, Encarnacion continued to hammer the opposition last year. He had a solid .263/.357/.529 batting line, hitting 42 homers and leading the American League with 127 RBI. He continued to show an impressive batting eye, while setting a career best with a 26% line drive rate. Encarnacion was quite the imposing figure in the batter’s box.

While he may not be a great first baseman, Encarnacion is not a disaster either. While he cost the Blue Jays five runs in the field, he was just about league average when it came to range factor. And, Encarnacion only made two errors in his 631 chances. If he can get to it, more often than not, Encarnacion will make the play.

After the Indians fell agonizingly short in the World Series, they were in search of an upgrade to their offense. Encarnacion is exactly that, a middle of the order presence with excellent power, someone who can change the game with one swing of the bat. The Indians are all in on trying to win a title, and Encarnacion can be a key part of that quest.

The Indians are looking to win their first World Series since 1948. If Edwin Encarnacion continues to be the hitter he has been over the past few years, 2017 may be a magical season.

38. Ian Kinsler – Detroit Tigers

At 34 years old, and in his 11th season in the Majors, Kinsler posted what may have been the second best season of his career.

A four time All Star, Kinsler was not named to the MidSummer Classic, but it was not his fault. He produced a solid .288/.348/.484 batting line, and his OPS+ of 128 was the second highest of his career. He hit 28 homers and 29 doubles, while stealing 14 bases. Kinsler did see his strikeout rate increase, whiffing 115 times in 679 plate appearances, but he was still quite productive when he made contact.

He certainly did not lose a step on defense. Although he had better seasons in the past, and certainly deserved the award then, he was still an excellent glove at second. He saved four runs for the Tigers, while leading the league in range factor. Kinsler was still able to get to virtually everything at second.

Given his age and previous injury history, it is understandable that one would wait for injuries to catch up. The Tigers may have even thought that themselves, as Kinsler was mentioned during the Dodgers search for a second baseman. However, until that happens, he will still be a solid bat to help set the table for the middle of the lineup.

Ian Kinsler may not be the player he once was, but he is still a solid piece for the Tigers. If last season is any indication, he is not ready to slow down just yet.

37. Rick Porcello – Boston Red Sox

If one was to have made ten guesses as to who would have won the American League Cy Young award before last season, Rick Porcello likely would not have been named. Nonetheless, he finally put together the season the Red Sox had envisioned.

When the Red Sox signed Rick Porcello to a four year, $82.5 Million extension, it seemed like a severe overpayment. Porcello was a solid pitcher, someone who was firmly a middle of the rotation innings eater. Although the cost for pitching had increased, Porcello did not seem to be worth that deal.

After he predictably disappointed in his first season in Boston, little was expected from him for 2016. Instead, he suddenly became the type of pitcher that the Red Sox were paying him to be. En route to winning the Cy Young award, Procello posted a 22-4 record with a 3.15 ERA and a 1.009 WHiP. In his 223 innings, he struck out 189 batters while issuing only 32 walks. Porcello paced the AL in wins, and his 5.91 K/BB rate was the best in the league.

Now, the question is, can he do it again? Porcello had only two seasons with an ERA below 4.00 prior to 2016, making this performance all the more unlikely. He appeared to be a roughly league average pitcher, but transformed into a top of the rotation arm seemingly overnight.

At 28 years old, Rick Porcello may have just come into his own now that he is in his prime. The Red Sox are certainly hoping that he can replicate that performance again next year.

36. Jason Kipnis – Cleveland Indians

Jason Kipnis had quietly become one of the better second basemen in the game. After the Indians run to the World Series, he is no longer a secret outside of Cleveland.

While he had better all around seasons in the past, Kipnis did hit at a .275/.343/.469 clip with a career high 23 homers and 41 doubles while stealing 15 bases. Despite a rough Game Seven, he performed well in the World Series, belting two home runs and three doubles.

Kipnis also stood out with the glove. He was credited with 12 runs saved, even though his range was considered to be below average. However, he made almost every play he was asked to make, and proved to be quite valuable in the middle of the Indians defense.

This year, he will miss the first few weeks with shoulder issues, creating a major hole in Cleveland’s lineup. Not only will the Indians need to replace his offensive production, but they will need to find a way to make do on defense. It will certainly be a difficult task for whoever is placed in that role to start the year.

Last year, Jason Kipnis became an all around star for the Indians. If he is healthy, this may only be the beginning.

35. Jonathon Lucroy – Texas Rangers

One of the steadier part of the Brewers lineup for years, Jonathan Lucroy went on a power surge when he was traded to the Rangers.

In his 47 games with the Rangers, Lucroy posted a .276/.345/.539 batting line, slugging 11 homers. While he had solid power for a catcher, that dramatic increase was unexpected. Overall, Lucroy had a .292/.345/.500 batting line, hitting 24 doubles and 24 homers.

Between his two stops, Lucroy continued to have a solid glove. He saved nine runs behind the plate, and even though he spent a portion of the year in the American League, was still a prominent part of the National League leaderboard. He ranked second with a 40% caught stealing rate, and finished second with 32 base runners gunned down. His presence was certainly felt behind the dish.

With the Rangers in search of a power bat to replace Prince Fielder last year, Lucroy delivered far more than could have been expected. While it is unreasonable to expect that he will continue to hit for power at the same clip this season, Lucroy could take a run at 30 homers. If he can do that, the Rangers would find themselves with that needed middle of the order presence.

Jonathan Lucroy had been a solid catcher for years before coming over to the Rangers. If he hits like that over a full season, he may ascend to stardom.

34. Robinson Cano – Seattle Mariners

SafeCo Field was supposed to rob Robinson Cano of his power. It did in Cano’s first couple of years, but that changed in 2016.

After what were considered disappointing years by Cano’s standards, he was back to the power hitting form that he showed with the Yankees. Last seson, Cano produced an excellent .298/.350/.533 batting line, belting a career best 39 homers. A force in the middle of the Mariners lineup, Cano also had 195 hits and set a personal best with 107 runs scored. As Seattle came close to the postseason, Cano helped lead that charge.

Although it has been five years since his last Gold Glove award, one could argue that Cano deserved to take the award home last year. He led American League second basemen with 15 runs saved, 311 putouts, and a .996 fielding percentage. He still had excellent range last year, finishing third in the AL.

After a dozen years, Cano is still one of the best second basemen in the MLB. His powerful hitting, coupled with an excellent glove and great defensive instincts, have made him a star. If he can stay healthy and continue his high level of production, Cano may well find himself in the Hall of Fame after his career comes to an end.

The Seattle Mariners have their sights set on a return to the postseason. Robinson Cano will be a big part of their success in the coming year.

33. Stephen Strasburg – Washington Nationals

There is no questioning Stephen Strasburg’s talent. The big question is whether or not he can remain healthy for a full season.

This is something that is also obviously on Strasburg’s mind as well. He made changes coming into this season in his quest to stay healthy, scrapping his slider and pitching exclusively from the stretch. His Spring Training performance has been mixed, but he has still displayed that dominance the Nationals have come to expect when healthy.

Strasburg showed that dominance last year. He had a 15-4 record to go along with a 3.60 ERA and a 1.104 WHiP. He continued his high volume strikeout ways, striking out 183 batters against 44 walks in 147.1 innings of work. However, Strasburg only pitched in 24 games, as he missed time with back and elbow issues.

When Strasburg is on the mound, he is one of the best in the game. The problem is, that he has only started 30 or more games twice in his career. Chances are, He will miss time again this year, but dominate in the majority of his starts. If he can put together a full season, an All Star Game and a strong case for the Cy Young award may be in his future.

Stephen Strasburg is one of the great pitching talents in the MLB. Hopefully, these changes will keep him on the mound for the full season.

32. Miguel Cabrera – Detroit Tigers

Already one of the all time greats in MLB history, Miguel Cabrera is not showing any signs of slowing down.

Cabrera continued his march to Cooperstown last season. He produced a .316/.393/.563 batting line, slugging 38 homers and 31 doubles. Cabrera continued his excellent batting eye, drawing 75 walks and striking out 116 times. Last year, Cabrera also hit two milestones, recording his 2500th hit and 500th double.

He was also surprisingly useful around the bag at first. Although Cabrera was considered to have cost the Tigers a run defensively, he led American League first basemen with 95 assists. Cabrera was also fourth with 1186 putouts and 124 double plays.

As Cabrera will turn 34 years old early in the season, he would appear well on his way toward reaching several more milestones. The 3000 hit club and 500 home run club would appear to be foregone conclusions, at least in the next couple of years. All he would need is to remain healthy.

Miguel Cabrera can make a case for being the best hitter of his generation. If he continues at his current pace for the next few years, Cabrera could be one of those players who, decades from now, is spoken of in reverence.

31. Ryan Braun – Milwaukee Brewers

There was a time when Ryan Braun was one of the best players in the game. Then, after his PED suspension, he began to struggle. Last year, he returned to form.

Braun was once again an all around offensive force. He produced a .305/.365/.538 batting line, hitting 30 homers and stealing 16 bases. Braun cut down on this strikeout rate by nearly 3% from last season, and even though he hit more ground balls, increased his home run rate.

Defensively, Braun was a decent left fielder. He was almost exactly average in range factor last year, although he was considered to have cost the Brewers three runs in left. However, his strong arm still stood out, as he recorded 12 assists to rank second amongst National League left fielders.

Right now, the biggest question surrounding Braun appears to be where he will end the season. While we know that he is currently the best player in Milwaukee, the Brewers are solidly in the midst of a rebuild. Should Braun replicate his performance from last year, the Brewers could find themselves with quite the haul at the trade deadline.

Ryan Braun once again placed himself amongst the best players in the game last year. If he can do it again, he may find himself in a new uniform by the end of 2017.

30. Masahiro Tanaka – New York Yankees

Signed out of Japan to be the Yankees next ace, Masahiro Tanaka has lived up to that billing.

After missing time in the previous two seasons due to elbow and forearm woes, Tanaka finally made 30 starts for New York. He continued his dominant ways, earning his first Cy Young votes while helping to solidify a starting rotation that was essentially held together with duct tape and hope.

Tanaka certainly did his part. He finished the year with a 14-4 record, posting a 3.07 ERA and a 1.077 WHiP. He almost reached the 200 inning mark, finishing just one out shy. With that workload, Tanaka struck out 165 batters against 36 walks, displaying incredible control.

For Tanaka, the biggest question is the health of his elbow. It was thought that he would need Tommy John surgery during the 2014 season, as he had a partially torn elbow ligament. While rehab has worked thus far, Tanaka’s elbow is essentially a ticking time bomb. When will that ligament finally let go?

Masahiro Tanaka is the biggest key to the Yankees hopes this year. If he can continue his dominant ways, the young Bronx Bombers may find their way back to the postseason.

29. Starling Marte – Pittsburgh Pirates

After a breakout campaign in 2015, Starling Marte was a vastly different player in 2016. The question is: which player is he?

After coming close to the 20 home run mark the previous year, Marte saw a sharp decrease in his power, but a marked improvement in his batting line and stolen bases. He had a .311/.362/.456 batting line, hitting nine homers, but stealing 47 bases. He did set a career high with 34 doubles, showing that some of his power could still be there.

Marte continued his solid play in left last season. He won his second Gold Glove award, as he led all National League outfielders with 19 assists. With his excellent speed and ability to get a jump off the bat, Marte will be moving to center for the 2017 campaign, as the Pirates hope to improve their outfield defense for the coming season.

Heading into his fifth full season, there are questions as to what type of player Marte is. Is he the player who looked like a developing five tool threat with solid power, or is he a leadoff hitter with the ability to change the game with his legs? In reality, he is likely something in between both seasons, a player who will come close to stealing 40 bases while hitting around 15 homers. Pittsburgh would certainly be happy with that.

No matter which player Starling Marte is, he may well be the best player on the Pirates. Under team control through 2021, he is a key part of not only the present, but the future as well.

28. Carlos Correa – Houston Astros

One of the rising crop of young shortstops to come to the MLB, Carlos Correa is a developing star with the Houston Astros.

Following up on his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2015, Correa took a bit of a step back. Despite having 228 more plate appearances, he actually had a step back in regards to his power output. That is not to say that 2016 was a bad year, as he put together a .271/.361/.451 batting line. Correa hit 20 homers and 36 doubles, while stealing 13 bases while showing his all around offensive game.

It would not be a surprise for Correa to end up with a Gold Glove award in the future. He finished fifth in putouts and third in assists amongst American League shortstops, saving the Astros three runs in the process. As he learns the league more, and gets more comfortable at short, that performance will likely improve.

Yes, Correa was not quite the smae player he was in the previous year. His OPS+ took a 13 point hit, and he hit fewer home runs despite having a sharp increase in plate appearances. However, it was still quite a solid year, and Correa was just 21 years old in 2016. There is plenty of room for growth.

Carlos Correa is one of the best young shortstops in the game today. He is also one of the top players already, and still has a lot of room to improve.

27. Giancarlo Stanton – Miami Marlins

There is no questioning Giancarlo Stanton’s tremendous power. The question is whether or not he can be healthy enough to have it translate to the field.

In his second consecutive injury plagued season, Stanton disappointed. He had 27 homers and 20 doubles, but also produced a meager .240/.326/.489 batting line. His 119 OPS+ was his worst since his rookie campaign. Meanwhile, Stanton continued to strike out at an epic pace, with a 29.8% strikeout rate last year.

Those issues also appeared defensively. While Stanton had been a Gold Glove caliber player in right over the past few years, he was not the player last season. Instead, he cost the Marlins seven runs, his first season in negative territory, while recording a career worst five outfield assists. It was an all around miserable year.

However, Stanton is showing signs that those struggles are behind him. He has been hitting well in Spring Training, with several tape measure homers that may not have landed yet. If he can stay healthy, there is no doubt that he will return to form, becoming an All Star player and MVP contender once again.

The Miami Marlins need Giancarlo Stanton to be the player he was back in 2014 if they will contend this year. So far, it looks as though that may happen.

26. Christian Yelich – Miami Marlins

A solid player over the past couple of seasons, Christian Yelich had his breakout performance last season.

Considered a player who could potentially contend for a batting title some day, Yelich produced his best season to date in the Majors. He had a .298/.376/.483 batting line, hitting a career best 21 homers and 38 doubles. Yelich also improved his walk rate, walking in 10.9% of his plate appearances.

The 2014 Gold Glove winner, Yelich will be shifting over the center field full time in the coming year. He had been a good left fielder, saving three runs last season while notching five assists. While he has not had the same success overall in center, he did save four runs in his 31 games there last season, showing that he can handle the assignment.

Last season, Yelich needed to carry the Marlins offense, as Giancarlo Stanton was a shell of himself and Dee Gordon missed half the year due to a PED suspension. This season, he should have help in the lineup, allowing him to flourish without as much pressure. However, given his progression in 2016, the Marlins may have another star roaming in their outfield, another player that can carry the offense if need be.

2016 was Christian Yelich’s coming out party. This season could be special if he continues to progress at the same rate.

25. Jon Lester – Chicago Cubs

Just as Derek Zoolander could not turn left, Jon Lester cannot throw to first.

However, just like Zoolander’s inability to turn left did not hinder his modeling career, the same can be said about Lester’s inability to hold a runner. He has simply removed the distraction of the opposing baserunner from his mind, focusing on the batter before him. In doing so, he has remained one of the top pitchers in the game.

Last year, Lester made his fourth All Star Game, as he recorded a 19-5 record with a 2.44 ERA and a 1.016 WHiP. In his 202.2 innings, Lester struck out 197 batters with 52 walks. It was the eighth time in the last nine seasons that Lester had at least 200 innings pitched, as he continued to be a true workhorse.

At 33 years old, Lester is not showing any signs of slowing down. With a formidable Cubs team supporting him, there is no reason to suspect that Lester will not be the same pitcher he has been. He’ll throw 200 or more innings, win over 15 games, and continue to be a steady presence in the Cubs rotation.

The Cubs know what they are going to get with Jon Lester. Quietly, he has been one of the best pitchers in the MLB over the past decade, and that should continue for years to come.

24. Charlie Blackmon – Colorado Rockies

It is easy to dismiss Charlie Blackmon as a product of Coors Field, but that ignores his overall ability.

While he may not get the same attention as the other, bigger names on the Rockies, Blackmon is perhaps an even better player. He has been a solid all around player since being given the opportunity to start, and that production continued last season. In 2016, he produced an excellent .324/.381/.522 batting line, hitting 29 homers and stealing 17 bases. However, he was not an All Star, and only received a single tenth place vote for the MVP.

Playing center in the giant Coors Field outfield, Blackmon put together a solid year. He was essentially league average for National League center fielders, saving two runs while posting a slightly below average range factor. With his slightly above average fielding percentage and decent arm, Blackmon was basically a league average outfielder.

That production was not just because of Blackmon playing at Coors Field. While he does have pronounced home and road splits throughout his career, Blackmon was almost the same player regardless of home field last season. He had a .335/.399/.540 batting line with 12 homers at Coors Field, and a .313/.363/.563 batting line with 17 homers on the road. He is not just a product of Colorado any longer.

Charlie Blackmon deserves a lot more attention for his ability. Perhaps this will be the year he gets that recognition.

23. Francisco Lindor – Cleveland Indians

The Indians run to the postseason was due, in large part, to their young core. Francisco Lindor, one of the amazing collection of young shortstops in the game, was a key part of that.

A true five tool talent, Lindor’s all around game was on full display last season. He produced a .301/.358/.435 batting line, hitting 15 homers and stealing 19 bases. Lindor also showed an advanced batting eye for his age, with only 88 strikeouts in 688 plate appearances last season.

As good as Lindor was offensively, he was even better with the glove. He won his first Gold Glove award last season, and could end up with quite a few more in his future. Lindor led the American League with 24 runs saved last year at short, and his 4.37 range factor was fourth in the league. He made spectacular plays seem routine, and was a frequent part of any highlight reel. It was no surprise that he won the AL Platinum Glove last season.

At just 23 years old, Lindor’s star is just beginning its ascent. Although the Indians have yet to begin discussions on an extension with the burgeoning star, one has to imagine they would want to begin those talks soon. Otherwise, his price tag will only go up as he continues to produce at such an incredible rate.

Francisco Lindor is one of the best young shortstops in the MLB. A true cornerstone player, he is the type of player that the Indians should look to lock up as soon as possible.

22. Anthony Rizzo – Chicago Cubs

Anthony Rizzo has developed into a superstar for the Cubs. He also became known for his naked pep talks in the locker room last year, which may or may not have contributed to their World Series run.

Locker room hijinks aside, Rizzo has become a superstar in Chicago. He produced a stellar .292/.358/.544 batting line, hitting a career high 32 homers and 43 doubles. Hitting in the middle of the Cubs lineup, he had plenty of runners on base, as he had 109 RBI and scored 94 runs.

Rizzo was more than just a bat. He won his first Gold Glove award, leading National League first basemen with nine runs saved and 125 assists. He ranked second with 1330 putouts, third in range factor, and fifth in fielding percentage. As good as the Cubs defense was, Rizzo was a key part of their success.

Entering his prime this season, Rizzo has established himself as a star. The Cubs know that they will get 30 homers and excellent run production, as well as stellar defense at first. Paired up with Kris Bryant, he gives Chicago a formidable duo in the middle of the lineup.

The Chicago Cubs could be baseball’s next dynasty. Having players like Anthony Rizzo about to enter their prime will only help keep Chicago in the postseason hunt for the foreseeable future.

21. Kyle Hendricks – Chicago Cubs

Despite the stars on the Cubs pitching staff, it was Kyle Hendricks that emerged as the team ace last season.

After posting a solid year in 2015, Hendricks had a breakthrough 2016 campaign. He had a fairly misleading 8-7 record last season, but only posted an ERA+ of 96. In 2016, he earned Joe Maddon’s trust, finally being allowed to pitch deeper into games and to prove that he can get himself out of trouble.

That confidence manifested in a stellar season from Hendricks. He posted a 16-8 record with a National League leading 2.13 ERA and a 0.979 WHiP. In his 190 innings, Hendricks struck out 170 batters against 44 walks. Opponents only managed a .207/.262/.319 batting line against him, with a mere .252 batting average on balls in play.

Now he needs to do that again. Hendricks was a solid minor league pitcher, who showed flashes of potentially developing into a dominant starter. However, a season like last year was not a part of those expectations, as he was looked at as a middle of the rotation arm. Last year, he became an ace instead.

If Kyle Hendricks can replicate his 2016 campaign, the Chicago Cubs are in great shape. But can he do that again?

20. Adrian Beltre – Texas Rangers

At some point, Adrian Beltre has to slow down. At least, that is what one would expect.

Instead, Beltre just keeps rolling along. He had another excellent campaign last season, with a .300/.358/.521 batting line. Beltre slugged 32 homers and 31 doubles, continuing to be a feared power threat. Although he will be 38 years old in the first week of the season, Beltre is still a cornerstone player for the Rangers.

His defense also continued to be superlative. He won his fifth Gold Glove award last year, as he led American League third basemen with 21 runs saved. Beltre was second with 43 double plays and 301 assists, third with 104 putouts, and fourth with a 2.87 range factor. Even at his age, Beltre was still an elite defensive player.

This year, there will be plenty of eyes on Beltre as the season continues along. He is 58 hits away from the 3000 hit club, and should get there sometime in June provided he stays healthy. Beltre is also closing in on the 500 home run club, although he is still a couple of years away. He is, without a doubt, one of the great players in MLB history.

Adrian Beltre is a future Hall of Famer who has continued to be an offensive force late into his 30’s. That should continue this year as he chases history.

19. Chris Sale – Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox paid quite a price to bring Chris Sale in as their latest staff ace. Based on his production over the past few years, he will be worth it.

A quick look at Sale’s 2016 statistics would lead one to think that he had an off year. His strikeouts were down, and in watching his games, Sale appeared to be hit more frequently. This was by design, as he was focused on pitching deeper into games. It certainly worked, as Sale threw an American League high six complete games for the White Sox.

In what is somehow considered to be a disappointing year, Sale was still a top pitcher. He had a 17-10 record for a woeful White Sox club, along with a 3.34 ERA and a 1.037 WHiP. In a career best 226.2 innings, Sale notched 233 strikeouts against only 45 walks. He was still dominant, but just in a different way than we were used to.

Now that he is in Boston, it would not be a surprise to see those numbers improve. Sale could make a run at his first 20 win season, and Boston’s solid defense could lead to a decreased ERA. As dominant as Sale has been over the years, he may have yet another level to reach now that he is on a contender.

Chris Sale is one of the top pitchers in the game. His acquisition by the Red Sox should work wonders for both sides.

18. Freddie Freeman – Atlanta Braves

There was virtually no reason to pitch to Freddie Freeman last year. Nonetheless, he put together the best season of his career in 2016.

Last season, on a Braves team entirely devoid of power, Freeman was one of the few offensive weapons on the team. Despite having almost no protection in the lineup, Freeman posted an excellent .302/.400/.569 batting line, hitting a career best 34 homers and 43 doubles. Not known for his speed, Freeman even stole six bases and hit six triples, doing virtually everything on offense for the Braves.

Freeman also continued to shine defensively. He finished third in the National League with six runs saved at first and in putouts (1305). He also placed in the top five in assists, double plays, range factor, and fielding percentage. If not for the presence of Anthony Rizzo, Freeman could have been a candidate for the Gold Glove award.

This year, the Braves have designs on contending. The lineup should be improved, and with a stronger pitching staff, Atlanta hopes to make some noise in the NL East. Freeman will certainly be a key part of the Braves offense, and if he has some semblance of protection in the lineup, his 2016 campaign could be an indication of what is to come.

Freddie Freeman has toiled in relative obscurity given the Braves brutal performance over the past couple of years. However, last year, he emerged as a true superstar.

17. Jose Altuve – Houston Astros

Listed as being 5’6″ tall, Jose Altuve looks more like a high schooler than a MLB player. However, the Astros hitting machine is one of the best players in the game.

Altuve certainly stands as a giant when it comes to offense. He led the American League in hits for the third consecutive year, recording 216 safeties. That production helped him to a .338/.396/.531 batting line, as he captured his second hitting title. He also had 42 doubles, 24 homers, and 30 steals in a 2016 campaign that saw him finish third in the MVP vote.

Despite not being quite as good defensively last season as he was in his Gold Glove winning 2015 campaign, Altuve was still solid with the glove. He saved the Astros five runs, and made just seven errors all season. Although he was not in the top five in any defensive category last year, he still continued to make the vast majority of the plays asked of him.

When looking at Altuve’s career thus far, it is a bit scary to realize that he is not yet 27 years old. Already, he has led the league in hits three times, won two batting titles, and captured two stolen base crowns. While his speed may lessen with age, Altuve is still one of the top hitters in the game, a player who can ignite the Astros offense from anywhere in the lineup.

In Jose Altuve’s case, size really doesn’t matter. The diminutive second baseman is a true star, one of the best players in the game today.

16. Corey Kluber – Cleveland Indians

It took some time for Corey Kluber to establish himself as an MLB pitcher. Since he did, he has not looked back.

Over the past three years, Kluber has established himself as one of the top pitchers in the game. In his breakthrough 2014 campaign, Kluber led the American League with 18 wins and 34 games started, posting a 2.44 ERA and a 1.095 WHiP, striking out 269 batters. He did not have the same success in 2015, leading the league in losses, although he pitched relatively well.

Last season, Kluber bounced back. He again posted an 18-9 record, this time with a 3.14 ERA and a 1.056 WHiP. In his 215 innings, Kluber struck out 227 batters against 57 walks. He earned his first All Star nod, and finished third in the Cy Young vote as he helped lead the Indians to the World Series.

As the Indians are looking to avenge their Game Seven loss and bring a title back to Cleveland, Kluber will play an important part in that success. While the Indians have improved their offense, they still need the rotation to do their part. Having Kluber there as their ace certainly helps make every fifth day worry free.

Corey Kluber may not have been immediately dominant in the Majors, but he more than made up for lost time. In the past three years, few pitchers have been as good as he has.

15. Paul Goldschmidt – Arizona Diamondbacks

Regardless of what Jim Leyland thinks, Paul Goldschmidt may well be the best first baseman in the MLB.

He is, in fact, quite the rare player for a first baseman. An on base machine, he posted a .297/.411/.489 batting line, leading the National League with 110 walks. Goldschmidt displayed solid power, with 24 homers and 33 doubles, but it was his speed that truly set him apart. He stole 32 bases in 37 attempts, ranking seventh in the NL in steals. A 30/30 season may be in his future, perhaps as soon as this year.

Goldschmidt has also proven to be a solid defensive player. The 2015 Gold Glove winner, he made just four errors in 2016, as he led NL first basemen in putouts and range factor. With four runs saved, and top five finishes in assists and double plays, he is still one of the elite defensive players at his position.

However, one has to wonder how much longer he will remain in the desert. Goldschmidt is only signed through the 2018 season, although the Diamondbacks have an option for 2019. Should they struggle again this season, Goldschmidt could be the type of player that would bring back a significant haul of prospects.

A truly unique player, there are not any first basemen like Paul Goldschmidt. It may even be fair to wonder when we will see another first baseman with his all around skill set.

14. Justin Verlander – Detroit Tigers

Justin Verlander was done. His time as an ace had ended, and he would be nothing more than a middle of the rotation starter for the rest of his career, as the innings had finally caught up to him.

At least, that was how things appeared to stand from 2013 through 2015. Verlander was no longer a Cy Young candidate, instead becoming a pitcher who would need to use his knowledge and grit to get through a start. The opposition began to hit his offerings, and Verlander even ended up on the disabled list for the first time in his career.

Then, last year, he came back. Healthy once more, he was the dominant pitcher of old, and, based on Kate Upton’s reaction, should have won the Cy Young award. He finished the year with a 16-9 record, along with a 3.04 ERA and a 1.001 WHiP. In his 227.2 innings, Verlander posted a league leading 254 strikeouts, while walking just 57 batters. The Tigers ace was back.

Now, can he do it again? After a strangely quiet offseason in Detroit, the Tigers are counting on Verlander to continue to be that pitcher, and to get them back to the postseason. At 34 years old, and with over 2400 innings on his arm, counting the postseason, that may be a tall order.

Justin Verlander found the fountain of youth in 2016. The Tigers are hoping that resurgence was more than just a last hurrah.

13. Nolan Arenado – Colorado Rockies

The Colorado Rockies are viewed as a sleeper playoff team heading into the 2017 campaign. If they do return to the postseason, Nolan Arenado may finally earn an MVP award.

Arenado has established himself as one of the top all around players in the MLB, becoming far more than a Coors Field aided slugger. While he has led the National League in homers and RBI in each of the past two years, Arenado is more than his power numbers. He produced a .294/.362/.570 batting line, hitting 41 homers and 35 doubles.

He also continued his stranglehold on the Gold Glove award at third, winning for the fourth year in a row. In fact, Arenado has won the Gold Glove award every year he has been in the Majors, which is understandable given his excellent range. He led NL third basemen in range factor, assists, and double plays, while finishing second in fielding percentage and third in putouts. There simply is not another third baseman in Arenado’s class with the glove in the National League.

Although he finished fifth in the MVP vote last season, that still seems fairly low given his performance. Yet, as the Rockies have struggled, it is difficult for Arenado to gain traction as the best player in the league. If they do contend this season, those votes may finally come in.

The best defensive third baseman in the NL, Nolan Arenado is far more than the player who led the league in homers in the past two years. And yet, he just does not get enough credit for his all around game.

12. Bryce Harper – Washington Nationals

Fresh off an MVP campaign, and at just 23 years old, Bryce Harper was expected to continue his ascent to superstardom last year. Instead, he disappointed.

Perhaps a large part of his limited statistical totals came from an MLB high 20 intentional walks and a lack of protection in the Nationals lineup. He posted a .243/.373/.441 batting line, hitting 24 homers and stealing 21 bases. And yet, his 116 OPS+ was not all too far off from his 121 OPS+ from his first three seasons.

At the very least, Harper continued the strides he made defensively. He saved eight runs in right, finishing third in the National League. Harper also finished third in putouts and double plays, while notching five assists in total. Few baserunners dared to test Harper’s arm, with obvious reason.

It is fair to consider Harper’s performance last year as a disappointment. However, he looked like the player from 2015 during Spring Training, hitting a Grapefruit League leading eight homers. Even though Spring Training statistics do not matter, seeing Harper’s dominant run through Florida is a promising sign for the season.

Expectations for Bryce Harper are still sky high heading into the 2017 campaign. Considering his Spring performance, he may reach those lofty heights once again.

11. Max Scherzer – Washington Nationals

Very quietly, Max Scherzer continues to carve his way into the history books.

Scherzer is one of only four pitchers in MLB history to strike out 20 batters in a game, and one of five pitchers to throw two no hitters in the same season. Last year, he won the National League Cy Young award, making him the sixth pitcher to take home the hardware in both leagues.

Last year was another feather in his cap. Scherzer just missed taking home the pitching Triple Crown, posting a 20-7 record with a 2.96 ERA and a 0.968 WHiP. In his 228.1 innings, Scherzer struck out an NL leading 284 batters with just 56 walks. Although Scherzer allowed 31 homers, opponents scored just 77 runs against him all season, as he limited the damage.

While the Nationals may have the best rotation in baseball, their overall success is likely to depend on how well Scherzer performs. Given his status as an ace over the past four years, that may not seem like much of a concern. However, he did miss some time during Spring Training due to a stress fracture in his knuckle, pushing his first start back a couple of days.

As under the radar as would be possible for a pitcher of his accomplishments, Max Scherzer has become a force on the mound. As the Nationals look to reach the World Series for the first time in franchise history, Scherzer will be a key part of their performance.

10. Corey Seager – Los Angeles Dodgers

The best of the bright young shortstops that have come up to the Majors in the past couple of years, Corey Seager is still looking to improve.

His rookie campaign was certainly impressive. He made the All Star Game, won the Rookie of the Year award and Silver Slugger award for short, and finished third in the MVP balloting. Overall, Seager produced a .308/.365/.512 batting line, hitting 26 homers and 40 doubles. it is hard to imagine much improvement from that production.

Although Seager is expected to move to third eventually, he was relatively solid defensively at short. He was just a hair below average, costing the Dodgers a run while leading National League shortstops with 18 errors. However, he did finish fourth in putouts, showing that there is some ability there.

And yet, Seager feels that he has a lot more to offer. He claimed that he is still finding his swing, saying that he did not feel comfortable in the batter’s box. If that performance came with Seager feeling uncomfortable, just imagine what he will accomplish once he has settled in.

Corey Seager has already established himself as one of the best players in the game. At he will turn 23 years old during the season, the sky is the limit for the Dodgers young star.

9. Noah Syndergaard – New York Mets

The New York Mets were supposed to have a dynamic young pitching staff that would make them contenders into the next decade. So far, Noah Syndergaard is the only pitcher to reach his potential.

With his trademark long hair and ongoing feud with Mr. Met, Syndergaard has already become a fan favorite with the Mets faithful. He has also begun to develop a reputation as one of the better hitting pitchers in the game, hitting two home runs against Kenta Maeda.

And yet, it was his performance on the mound that has really opened some eyes. A former consensus top prospect, Syndergaard has lived up to his billing. During a season where most of the Mets rotation was injured, he established himself as an ace, posting a 14-9 record with a 2.60 ERA and a 1.149 WHiP. In his 183.2 innings, Syndergaard struck out 218 batters while issuing only 43 walks.

Of the young Mets pitchers, Syndergaard has managed to avoid injury and become the dominant force he was expected to be. Entering his third year, and with the training wheels coming off, he is poised to take his place amongst the upper echelon of players in the game. His performance last season certainly bodes well for his future.

Noah Syndergaard has already become a beloved figure amongst Mets fans. As he continues to develop, his stature is only going to increase with time.

8. Buster Posey – San Francisco Giants

The best catcher in the game today, Buster Posey has been a true force of nature.

A four time All Star and former MVP winner, Posey may not be a contender for the batting title any longer. However, he is still an all around threat with the bat. Last season, he produced an excellent .288/.362/.434 batting line, hitting 14 homers and 33 doubles. Posey even stole a career high six bases.

An excellent defensive catcher, Posey finally won his first Gold Glove last year. He saved 15 runs behind the plate, and led the National League with eight double plays. Posey gunned down 28 bases runners, third in the league, en route to throwing out 37.35 of basestealers last year. While the Giants may want to get him out from behind the plate, he is far too valuable defensively for such a move.

It is rare for a catcher to be an all around threat with both the bat and the glove. Yet, Posey has become exactly that, turning into one of the top defensive catchers in the league. Although he is likely to move out from behind the plate as he ages, Posey still has a few years left as one of the best in the game behind the dish.

A key part of the Giants offense, Buster Poesy has become the best catcher in the game today. He already made his mark on history with the “Buster Posey Rule,” eliminating collisions at home plate due to his broken leg and dislocated ankle, but he has been much more than that. The only catcher to win a batting title since Ernie Lombardi, Posey has been one of the true greats of his time.

At 30 years old, Buster Posey still has a long time left. If he continues on his current pace, Cooperstown may be in his future.

7. Josh Donaldson – Toronto Blue Jays

It took Josh Donaldson a while to establish himself in the Majors. However, he has certainly made up for lost time.

Since becoming a regular in 2013, Donaldson has become a perennial top ten finisher in the MVP vote, winning the award in 2015. Although his numbers took a step back last season, he was still one of the top offensive players in the game. He produced a .284/.404/.549 batting line, hitting 37 homers and 32 doubles. He also drew 109 walks, as the opposition pitched around him as much as possible.

Even though Donaldson is not the Gold Glove caliber third baseman that he had been, he is still solid at the hot corner. Despite being considered to have cost the Blue Jays four runs last season, he was around league average in virtually every defensive metric. He is still a steady, if unspectacular, presence defensively at third.

One of the great proponents of hitting the ball in the air, Donaldson has increased his fly ball rate every year. Thus far, it has worked, as he is hitting for power and changing the way hitters approach an at bat. While some would say that the jury is still out on his theory of hitting, his success would indicate that there is something to his philosophy.

Josh Donaldson did not become a regular until he was 27 years old. Since that time, he has established himself as one of the best in the game today.

6. Manny Machado – Baltimore Orioles

Although Manny Machado is not slated to be a free agent until after the 2018 season, teams are already starting to figure out cap room to pursue the Orioles third baseman.

It is easy to see why. At just 24 years old, Machado has already put together an impressive resume. Although his speed entirely disappeared last year, at least in the stolen base department, he was still a force with the bat. He produced a .294/.343/.533 batting line, hitting a career high 37 homers.

He also continued his stature as one of the top defensive third basemen in the league. A two time Gold Glove winner, Machado led the league in fielding percentage at third and was worth six runs saved. He finished third in range factor and in runs saved, while continuing to make plays that defied explanation.

Given his age, and how he has continued to improve each year, it is not a surprise that Machado is expected to receive an incredible contract. Considered a possibility to be the first player in MLB history to earn $40 Million a season, Machado has the potential to become one of the best that the game has ever seen.

Manny Machado is already one of the top players in baseball today. At just 24 years old, he is only beginning to become the player he can be. Given his already impressive resume, he could become a true great.

5. Mookie Betts – Boston Red Sox

After a solid 2015 campaign, Mookie Betts blossomed into a star last season.

After earning a few MVP votes in 2015, Betts came close to toppling the Mike Trout juggernaut, finishing just 41 points behind the Angels star. Along the way, he made his first All Star Game, and earned a Silver Slugger award. Betts had an impressive .318/.363/.534 batting line, hitting 31 homers and 42 doubles while stealing 26 bases. It was quite the performance.

However, Betts’ biggest improvement came on defense. A year after costing the Red Sox 11 runs as a center fielder, he became one of the top defensive right fielders in the game. Betts led American League right fielders in fielding percentage, double plays, and putouts, while ranking second in assists. He saved 20 runs in right last year, a dramatic imnprovement over the previous year.

In Betts, the Red Sox have one of the most dynamic young players in the game. A future 30/30 candidate, it would not be a surprise for Betts to bring home an MVP award in the near future. And, in addition to his value on the field, who else would you want on your bowling team during team outings?

A two sport star, Mookie Betts has rapidly become one of the best players in the game. Yet, we may have only begun to see what type of player he can be.

4. Madison Bumgarner – San Francisco Giants

For years, the Giants starting rotation was Madison Bumgarner and hoping for the best. That formula was enough to win a World Series in 2014.

Last season, Bumgarner had some help in the rotation after the Giants acquired Johnny Cueto. That did not change much, as he continued to be the dominant force that San Francisco fans have come to know.

A true workhorse in every sense of the word, Bumgarner went over the 200 inning mark for the sixth consecutive year in 2016. In what was his most dominant season, Bumgarner posted a 15-9 record with a 2.74 ERA and a 1.028 WHiP. He struck out 251 batters against just 54 walks in a career high 226.2 innings pitched.

He was far more than just a pitcher. Bumgarner slugged three home runs and drew ten walks last season, continuing to be a presence in the batter’s box. He even became the first pitcher to bat in the lineup in place of a designated hitter since Ken Brett did so in 1976. Naturally, Bumgarner came through, hitting a double in his first at bat.

One of the most dominant pitchers in the game today, Madison Bumgarner is a threat either on the mound or at the plate. Some day soon, he may finally earn a Cy Young award, a fitting monument to his prowess.

3. Kris Bryant – Chicago Cubs

At only 25 years old, Kris Bryant has already put together an impressive baseball resume.

Coming off a Rookie of the Year campaign, Bryant improved upon that freshman performance. In just his second season, he won the National League MVP award, posting a solid .292/.385/.554 batting line while slugging 39 homers and 35 doubles. He greatly improved his contact rate, dropping his strikeout percentage by 8.6%. Bryant truly blossomed into a star last year.

Although Bryant split his time between third and left, he was equally solid with the glove. He led the NL with ten runs saved in left, despite playing only 69 games there. Meanwhile, his nine runs saved at third ranked third in the league. Continuing his versatility, Bryant also spent some time at right and first, while playing an inning at both center and short.

No matter where he has played, Bryant has been amongst the best in the game. He won the Golden Spikes award in 2013 as the top player in college, was named the Minor League Player of the Year by both Baseball America and USA Today in 2014, then followed that up with a Rookie of the Year award and an MVP. Short of transitioning to the mound to win a Cy Young award, Bryant does not have much hardware left to earn.

The best player on the reigning World Champions, Kris Bryant has an impressive trophy case already. With just two MLB seasons, that display case may need a few more shelves.

2. Clayton Kershaw – Los Angeles Dodgers

Last season, the only thing that could slow Clayton Kershaw down was himself.

Easily the best pitcher in the game, Kershaw showed signs of being human last year, at least in terms of health. He missed over two months due to herniated disk in his back, which was problematic to the point where season ending surgery was a consideration. However, he came back in September, helping lead the Dodgers to the NLCS.

Despite missing that time, Kershaw put together one of the more dominant years in recent memory. He posted a 12-4 record with a 1.69 ERA and a 0.725 WHiP, and led the NL with three shutouts. In his 149 innings, he struck out 172 batters while issuing just 11 walks, for an incredible 15.64 K/BB rate. The only surprise about his fifth place vote in the Cy Young award was that he did not finish higher.

Healthy once again, Kershaw is looking to continue his domination. If he can make his typical 30 or more starts for the Dodgers, there is not another pitcher in the same stratosphere of dominance and performance. However, after failing to reach that mark in two of the past three years, one has to wonder if the workload is starting to catch up with the Dodgers lefty.

Clayton Kershaw is, quite simply, the most dominant pitcher in the MLB. As long as he is healthy, the Dodgers have nothing to worry about when he takes the ball.

1. Mike Trout – Los Angeles Angels

Let’s face it – was there really anyone else for this spot?

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One of those players whose numbers do not do justice to his ability, Mike Trout is easily the top player in the MLB. In winning his second MVP award, Trout produced what has become a typical year for the young star. He had a .315/.441/.550 batting line, hitting 29 homers and stealing 30 bases. Trout led the league in runs, walks, on base percentage, and OPS+, while finishing one homer shy of being the first 30-30 player since he and Ryan Braun reached those marks in 2012.

For as impressive as Trout is on offense, his defense in center is often overlooked. While he may not be on the same level as the top defensive players in the game, Trout is a solid outfielder. He saved seven runs last season, and ranked fifth in the American League in range factor, fourth in assists, and third in putouts.

Trout already has a career that brings back to mind the true greats from history. In his five seasons, he has made the All Star Game each year, and never finished worse than second in the MVP voting. The most similar players through 24 years old are a list of inner circle Hall of Famers, headlined by Mickey Mantle and Ken Griffey Jr. Trout is, without a doubt, the shining star of the MLB.

Next: Yankees 2017 preview

There may not be a lot to watch for the Angels this season, but Mike Trout alone is worth the price of admission. He is simply the best player in the game, and it is not even close.